The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1915-04-28
IT'S UP TO WOMEN
Delegates From Every Nation
Meet at the Hague.
Fifteen Hundred Plan to End
the Worlds War.
LOVED ONES ON BATTLEFIELDS
Women There Whose Husbands
and Sons Are Fighting.
Party of Fifteen Under Jane
Adams From u. s.

The Hague, April 2s.-what can
the women of the world do to stop
the war?
Within the next three days some L.
5O' earnest thoughtful, hopeful worn-
en-, representing all the great nations
both be1Iigerent and neutra1-will
endeavor to answer this question, as
well as present for the consideration
of the various governments the claims
Of womanhood both in the formula
ton of peace terms, and afterwards.
At the invitation of the women of
Holland, supported by leaders in the
progressive feminist movement in the
United States-particularly the Amer
lean WoInen's Peace Party-and those
of the Scandinavian countries, the In
teFnational Congress of Women OPEN
ed its first days session today in this
peace capital'' of the world.
Among the delegates are many
whose husbands, fathers or sons are
now fighting for their country-or al
ready have been slain, OF MANNED for
life Leading the British delegation
of 100 are two sisters of Field Mar
shall Sir John French, Mrs. Despard
and Mrs. Harley. while it is said that
practically every one of the 20 repre-
sentatives of Germany have close rela-
tives in the kafser's army. Owing to
travel these days between France and
HoIland-through England-only
few French women so far have ar
rived.
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 to avoid the vexatious delays of
travel through England caused by the
severe regulations regarding wise of
passports. home office permits, etc.
Delegations are also present from
Russia, Austria, Hungary, Servia and
even Turkey. One American woman
has come, upon her special request, to
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 to various British colonies.
In order to prevent acrimonious de-
bate that might lead to a disruption
Of the congress and thus defeat the
objects for which it was called. the
various women'S organizations send
ing delegates agreed in advance that
any reference to relative national re-
spOnsibflity" for the origin or conduct
of the war should be considered out
of order. This suggestion was made
by the central committee of Dutch
women who arranged the details of
the congress and drew up the tenta-
tive resolutions which will form the
OASIS Tor the general discussions.
THE only possible objection. to such
a meeting" said one of the organizers
today, was that at this particular
time, when national feeling is run
ming so high, it might result in un-
seemly discussion. But we believe that
by taking precautionary measure fric-
ton will be avoided"
Appeal From soldiers.
a statement issued by the British
committee, which has already APP
lined by the women of Holland, al
though advocating some changes in
minor points, says:
I'VE women cannot disregard the
appeal so often expressed in letters
from French. German and English
soldiers, who from the battlefield
have called upon US to save civiIiza-
ton; but more moving and more ter
rible is the silent appeal from the
daily growing cemeteries. from the
devastated villages and ruined homes, !
the orphans, the outraged and the
starving.
TT is much more difficult for men
to meet in conference; they are in the |
silent armies. But women. as nom
combatants, have this right. and as
guardians of the race they have the |
duty. Experience has shown that |
women of enemy nations can meet in
council and discuss matters in a rea- |
sonable and helpful way A prelimi-
nary meeting of British, German, Bel |
gian and Dutch women has already |
been held. The time seemed ripe for
this international meeting. 1t can |
hardly fail to soften animosities and |
allay the hatred which is a growing |
evil and menace for the future
Women whose hearts have been |
drawn together by earnest considera-
ton of common problems and common |
suffering will return to their own
countries to influence public opinion |
to a gentler attitude. BY thus meet |
ing together on neutral ground and |
for the moment, removed from nation |
al passions, a fairer view of current
events becomes possible, and women
of all nationalities can join in prepar-
ing the way for better understanding
and permanent peace. Moreover. if |
womenS voice is to be heard in the
prepared now
Under i. c. @. Jurisdiction,
Washington April % = Tntersta+ 70 |