The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1914-03-16
A Cabinet Mini stcr for Women.

4 proposal made couple OF months
ago by s. NJ. MIRA. the eminent Hin
dustanee journalist, for a new portfolio
IN the British Cabinet, to I've devoted to
the interests Of women. has been taken
up enthusiastically by Lady BYRON.
is both energetic and sane. She has
no illusions as to the outlook for the
votes for women cause. She thinks ii
very doubtful whether female suffrage
in England would ever mean equal suf-
frage and she frankly admits that since
the leaders Of neither political party
care enough about woman suffrage to
make 1t n Government measure. Il is
only foolish for Us English women1
10 throw dust in our own minds by try
ing to believe we shall soon get thing
which we know in our heart Of hearts
is still very far from realization"
She finds the Cabinet Minister for
Women plan just the thing to bridge
over the period of weary waiting. 1t
is progressive. practical. educational to
both the men and the women. II will
satisfy In some degree the unsatisiied
cravings Of the latter; will give them
practical equality of opportunity ut
the topmost rung Of the political lad
der; It will allow them at once to
have "a potent voice in national az
fairs" At the same time II will ap-
peal to the masculine nature 10y It's
foundation on expediency rather than
in abstract justice. which Is the shib-
Observation-Disclosures by men--of
the votes for women agitation. II will
further eliminate the hackncyed objcc-
ton to the suffrage demand In that IL
does not involve any wonlan's taking
part In the rough and tumble Of politi-
cal life.
The plan itself appears to have many
practical qualities. 1t cOntemplates a
new department of women headed by a
Cabinet officer. a man. In fact man
of high standing in craftsmanship. Be-
sides. there is proposed an advisory
council Of eight women and four men.
with proper staff Of subordinates.
This department Is to take cognizance
Of all matters in which women are con-
cerned. Their employment and labor.
their economic and social needs. prob
lens of housing, education, family life
and marital relations, the protection Of
young girls and children. perhaps many
moral issues would be- the subject Of
study and active work. On such top
les the Minister for Women would be
the spokesman Of the sex in Parliament.
Through the system, the crystallized
opinion Of the female sex would express
itself in useful legislation.
Lady BYRON In advocating the new
idea in an article in the Nineteenth
Century devotes much space 10 prov
ing the useful intervention Of women
Of high rank in British politics from
! the days Of the Witenagclnot down
to GEoRGIANA Duchess Of Devonshire.
She deplores the fact that no peeresses'
association has been brought into exist
! ence in later days to keep the tradition
alive, and she proposes that their lady.
/ ships now adopt the Woman's Minister
/ proposal as All opportunity to get back
into active political life. The meas
ure to realize the plan. she thinks
might well originate in the House OF
Lords, affording proof that that body 1,
awake and progressive despite popular
ideas to the contrary. Having go,
through that house its prospects in the
Commons would not DO bad. Many
would accept 1t as promising to as
suage for years the intolerablc condi'
ans inextinguishable resistance to tho
WORKOUT principle Of classifying hel
as nobody in the eye Of the law.