Evening journal., 1915-04-19
WOMEN DIFFER IN
VOTE BATTLE PLAN
Congressional Union and
Suffrage Association,
However in Common
Cause
MAKING READY
FOR CONFERENCE

Since announcement has been made
by the Congressional Union for Wo-
man Suffrage that il will form a
branch in every State for the purpose
OF organizing support for a constitu-
tional amendment. there has been
much discussion among local suffra-
gists as 10 the relations existing be-
tween the Union and tho National
American Woman Suffrage Associa-
ton
When Miss Mabel Vernon. the Della
ware organizer Of the Congressional
Union was asked TO explain the re-
lations between the two suffrage So
cictics she said
For over a year. the National Suf-
frage Association and the Congress
sional Union have been two entirely
distinct organizations. They have a
common purpose. OF course, Votes for
Women but they differ as to the best
way 10 procure a national amendment
onfranchising women. The two asso-
Citations we're once connected, but
carly in the year 1914 the union re-
signed as an affiliated branch OF the
National Association because Of new
clause in the constitution Of the ma
tional requiring every affiliated So
ciety TO pay yearly tax equal TO
five per cent. of its annual expendi-
tures. The union had a budget for
the year 1914 Of $4,000 and the pay
ment of per cent. tax on such a
large amount would have crippled its
activities. II therefore decided to
resign as an affiliated body and be-
come an auxiliary association of the
national society. This class OF mem
bership according 10 the national con-
stitution Is required TO pay only 500
dues annually. Many suffrage socie-
ties with an eye to economy had taken
this same step. This proposal was
refused. however. in the case of the
Congressional Union and the union
was therefore forced to go out Of
existence or become an independent
organization. Il chose the latter"
Miss Vernon was then asked as to
what the main points of difference
now are between the two associations.
The Congressional Union has the
one purpose-tOo procure the enfran-
chisement of women by means of an
amendment TO the L. S. constitution.
The amendment we are working for
was drafted by the great suffrage
leader. Susan B. Anthony. in 1875 and
lrieay provides that no American
citizen shall be disenfranchised b.
cause of sex.
"The National Association, while
believing in this same amendment,
has diverted its support TO another
amendment known as the Shafroth-
Palmer bill. This bill proposes an
amendment TO the Il. S. constitution
bestowing the initiative and refcrcn-
dun on all States, for ono particular
use. namely. the consideration Of wo-
man suffrage. The Congressional
Union believes that work for such a
measure is altogether wasted and we
refused 10 be thus turned aside from
/ the main issue
As the conference. which is to be
held in Wilmington by the Congress
sional Union on May Is and "a. tho
/ two amendments will be fully explain
ed TO Delaware suhragists, The bus
mess meetings OF the convention,
which will continue for two days will
Z be held al the home of Mrs. James
| p. Winchester, Eleventh and Market
streets. An evening reception at
/ the Hotel DUPONT, at which the viii
mington suifragists will entertain the
women from other parts Of the State
! is being arranged.