New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-12-09
Excellent Politics"
tor Of The Tribune.

To the Editor Of The Tribune
Sir: AS TO the act of the women of the
Congressional Union for Woman Suffrage
who unroled the banner in the Hall Of Rep
resentatives while the President was speak
ing: The banner hung five nice, long min
utes-the cynosure of all eyes-before the
angry Democratic Congressman leaped up
and tore it down. mention this because all
the press accounts give the idea that it was
instantly torn down.
President Wilson wished The audience to
think of what he considered the most impor-
tant public issues. The Congressional Union
spoiled that plan and focused the attention
of Congress and the country on woman suf-
frage; question which the majority Of the
women of the United States consider to out
rank in dignity and urgency all other ques-
tons whatsoever.
In September Mr.. Wilson told the National
Woman Suffrage Association in Atlantic City
that he had come to fight with them" and
then he omits from his speech all reference
TO the Federal amendment for which the Ma
tonal Association stands.
But for that banner on Tuesday the West
ern women voters might not have realized
the omission. Now they know.
They will vote in the Congressional cleo
tons in 1918.
If the Democratic party desires to elect
their Congressman, they should psss the suf-
frage amendment in the present session.
Here is the case as it stands to-day. The
South and the West elect the President. The
South is theirs, no matter what sins they
commit.
The pivotal equal suffrage Western states
are doubtful, independent, progressive; their
allegiance must be permanently gained.
Pass the suffrage amendment and the
Democrats will take long step toward that
goal. In other words they have everything to
gain and nothing to lose. But they remain
blind TO their great opportunity.
Since the banner event one hears the usual
cry that the Congressional Union antagonizes
its friends in Congress. Woman should not
be foiled by this pleasant little bromide"
Let them examine the facts, and they will
see that the Congressional Union gets re-
suits, and the results that it desires. I will
give only one illustration, out of many that
could give.
Mr. Bryan has until now stated that he be-
leved in suffrage coming by the state method
He has just announced his conversion to the
Federal amendment. In the last election
members of the woman's party trailed Mr..
Bryan's tour. He devoted half his time TO
proving what devoted suffragist Mr.. Wilson
was. But he was confronted everywhere with
banners saying: "Why did Wilson block the
suffrage amendment" Whereupon near-riots
occurred, and, Of course, Mr. Bryan was very
angry and could not say enough dreadful
things about the Woman's party. But what
happened to the cause7 Mr.. Bryan comes on.
for Federal suffrage.
When politicians and public servants do
wrong it is healthy for them to be rebuked
The President of the United States ignored
the rights of American women while he rec
commended citizenship rights for Porto Rice
men. If it be an assault on good taste" to
publicly rebuke him for that, commend me to
bad taste.
To my mind. not only did the honor and
self-respect of women demand the act, but il
was excellent politics.
ELIZABETH SELDEN ROGERS.
Chairman National Advisory Council. Con-
gressonal Union for Woman Suffrage.
!. Washington, Dec. 7, 1916.