The Hattiesburg news. (Hattiesburg, Miss.) 1908-1917, 1915-04-28

London, April 27.-Under severe
handicaps, in which motives were
questioned. the propriety Of their
work was questioned. and the shadow
of race prejudice was allowed to fall
on their Negotiations, the Women's
Congress at The Hague will be opened
tomorrow. The American contingent,
which. has assumed the leadership in
welding the women delegates into uni
ty in the face of bitter criticism, is
hopeful that the Congress will be able
to register the united protest of the
women of the world against war; The
difficulties encountered were not un-
expected. Long ago it was apparent
that the women of Russia, England
and France believed the suggestion
was a part of the pro-German propa-
ganda. While this belief is not alto
gether overcome, and may curtail the
effectiveness of the first women's
peace conference, the sincerity of the
American women who have come in
force to aid in the congress has had
great influence in clearing away sus-
picions and establishing the possibil-
ity that Mother Eve may yet save
Abel from Brother Cain.
Miss Jane Adams of Chicago, will
share honors with Queen Wilhelmina
of Holland at the opening session of
the Congress. Miss Adams, whose
work is fully as well known in Europe
as in her home city, will preside. II
Is expected that the Queen will attend
and address the congress.
The Programme.
IA resolution with view to
bringing about an armistice in order
to discuss terms of peace in the pres
ent European War.
2-The formation of an information.
al court of arbitration will be urged,
for the discussion of questions arising
between nations before they proceed
to hostlities.
3-An international rule will be
drafted, compelling all nations to
come before this court, and providing
for international action against any
country taking up arms without apply
ing to the court.
4-Control of foreign politics by the
people of a nation instead of by groups
Or parties, will be advocated
5-A resolution will be introduced |
the annexation of any ter
'itory without the consent of the men |
md women forming the population of |
he territory itself.
GA resolution declaring war an
excess of insanity, brought about by
suggestion which leads people to de-
;troy in a short time what it has taken
centuries to build up, will be put be-
ore the Congress.
IA motion declaring women re-
'ponsible for war because they do not |
exercise their undoubted influence to
prevent it, and calling on them to
,laim full political rights so that they
nay be able to bring that influence to
year, will be debated. There are diff
ering views on this question, which
meets the suffrage question into the
,eace question.
S-A motion calling attention to the
of women brought about by |
var will be adopted
eve do not expect to end the war.
We have no much hope that our meet
ng will have this immediate effect; |
,ut we do believe that, as women, as !,
Mothers of men and of soldiers, we
ire in position to meet without
bias. and formulate plans for the set
cement of international troubles
"The present system of diplomacy
las failed; it has plunged the world
nto war the like of which it never
Jaw before. The peace congress is
allied by no organization; it is a spon.
aneous movement upon the part of
he women of all nations.
"The congress may have one of
hree results: 1t may be dangerous,
or things may be, said which should
lot be said, and this is a thing that
must be guarded against. 1t may be
utile, but we hope it will not. And
h r,,,od,1nfirrn o. G..