Evening journal., 1915-04-28
Nv the United Press.

By the United Press.
THE HAGUE, April 2S.-What can
the women Of the world do 10 stop the
war?
within the next three days some
1900 earnest. thoughtful, hopeful wo-
men, representing all the great ma
tions-both helligerents and neutral
will endeavor to answer this ques-
ton. as well as present for the con-
alteration Of the various governments
the claims OF womanhood in the form
ulation OF peace terms and after
wards
Al the invitation Of the women OF
Holland. supported by leaders in the
progressive feminist movement in the
United States particularly the
American Women's Peace Party-and
those Of the Scandinavian countries,
the International Congress Of Wo-
men opened its first days session to-
dav in this peace capital OF the
world Amonr the delegates are
MANY whose husbands, fathers, or
sons are now lighting for their coun-
trv-or already have been slain or
maimed Leading the British delega-
ton of 100 are two sisters Of Field
Marshal Sir John French, Mrs. Dcs-
pard and Mrs Harley. while IL is
said that practically every one Of the
20 representatives Of Germany have
close relatives in the .Kaiser's army
Owing to the restrictions against in
discriminate travel these days be-
tween France and Holland-through
England only a few French women
so far have arrived.
More than half the delegates are
Dutch women. and a very large per
centage of the others are from Den
mark, Norway and Sweden. A party
Of fifteen. under the leadership OF
Miss Jane Adams. came direct from
the United States. via Rotterdam, IN
order 10 avoid the vexatious delays OF
travel through England caused by the
severe regulations regarding use OF
passports. home Office permits, etc.
DELEGATIONS are also present from
Russia. Austria. Hungary. Servia. and
even Turkey. One American woman
bas come. upon her special request.
b voice the plea Of the women OF
her country who have been suffering
cruelty in the war The war-swept
countries OF Belgium and Poland,
Italy. Greece and the other Balkan
states are likewise represented. in ad-
dition 70 various British colonies.
In order 10 prevent acrimonious de-
bate that might lead 10 a disruption
OF the congress and thus defeat the
objects for which h was called the
various women's organizations send
ing delegates agreed in advance that
any reference 10 relative national
responsibility for the origin or con-
duct Of the war should be considered
out OF order. This suggestion was
made by the central committee oi
Dutch women who arranged the de.
tails Of the congress and drew up the
tentative resolutions which will form
the basis for the general discussion
THE only possible objection 10 sucl
a meeting" said one of the organic
ers today, "was thai at this particu
lar time, when national feeling Il
running so higll. Il might result II
unseemiy disEension. But We believe
that by taking this precautionar.
measure friction will be avoided"
A statement issued by the British
committee, which has already approx
ed in principle the program out,inei
by the women of Holland. although
advocating some changes in mino
points, says:
We women cannot disregard III
appeal so often expressed in letter
from French, German and Englis
soldiers, who from the BATTLEFIELD
have called upon us TO save civiliza
ton; but more moving and moro ter
rible is the silent appeal from tn
daily growing cemeteries. from IN
devastated villages and ruined home
the orphans, the outraged and IN
starving.
1T is much more difficult for me
to meet in conference; they are !
the silent armies. But women. a
non-comhatant have this right, an
as guardians of the race they ha,
the duty. Experience has showr IN;
women of enemy nations can met
In council and discuss matters in
reasonable and helpful way A pr
liminary meeting OF British. Germa
Belgian and Dutch women has a
ready been held. The time SCENE
ripe for this international meetin
il can hardly fail TO soften animos