The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1916-09-06
What VIII the President Say?

, PRESIDENT Wilson has accepted an invitation
to deliver address Friday at Atlantic City be-
fore the convention of the National Woman Suf-
frage Association The address is likely to be
the most important utterance by the Chief
Executive since his speech of acceptance at
Shadow Lawn. From the standpoint of woman
suffragists throughout the nation the speech now
is regarded as even more important than the
speech of acceptance.
In his address at Shadow Lawn, President
Wilson made mention of suffrage. AS re-
suit the indignation of the seeking the
ballot by amendment to the Constitution has
been increased. The women seem to take the
view that the President considered the suffrage
issue of too little Importance to be worthy of
mention in his acceptance address. 1t is more
probable that Mr.. Wilson desired to reserve
his thoughts the subject until he talking
before the women themselves
1t is no exaggeration to say that as matters
stand now the President will go before an audi
ence containing large element who are openly
hostile. The Western delegates to the conven-
resentment toward Mr.. Wilson and intend to
fight him tooth and na' in November. Per-
haps the most antagonistc element is that
which composes the Congressional Union for
Woman Suffrage, which is headed by Miss Alice
Paul and has headquarters in this city
1t is stated that Miss Paul taught poll
tics by Mrs. Pankhurst. 1t is known that Miss
Paul once was one of Mrs. Pankhursts trusted
Eeutenants When Miss Paul left London and
Joined the ranks of suffragists in this country
il not known whether she came here to
direct Mrs. Pankhurst's work this side or
whether she dsapproved of Mrs. Pankhursts
militant policies At any rate, Miss Paul is
reckoned of the most efficient politicians
Judgment and foresight
Therefore a statement issued by the Con-
gressionaI Union with the sanction of Miss
Paul may be regarded as an important suf-
frage document. In the unions latest statement
it is said:
THE general purport of the reports so far
received is to the effect that President Wilson
cannot expect the votes and support of Western
women as long as he adheres to his policy of
denying suffrage to the women Of the nation"
This statement is clear indication that the
suffragists, at least large and influential
part of them believe that the President may
change his mind on the suffrage issue before
election day and that they intend to use every
means at their disposal to cause him to change
his mind. In other winds, it seems clear that if
the President does change his mind and comes
out flat-footed for the suffrage amendment he
uldy count ON ali OF inc SuHTdSlStS SucnRtn on
the day that the nation goes to the polls
The invitation to Mr.. Wilson to address the
sufragists at Atlantic City may be accepted as
the final opportunity that the women will give
the President to over to their side 1t is
understood in suffrage circles in this city that
the President plans to adhere to his position and
to tell the women that he prefers their respect
to their votes. Miss Paul is authority for the
statement that if the President follows this plan
he will lose not only the votes of the suffragists
but their respect, too.
When Mr. Wilson addresses the suffragists he
will occupy position that probably will not be
enVied by any man. He must use what is COM
monty known tact and he must speak with
the knowledge that what he says is going to
have very important part in his political for
tunes. 1t seems that Mr. Wilson has been placed
in an awkward position by the skill with which
Mr.. Hughes has handled the suffrage issue and
the task of extricating himself from this position
is not simple by any
In official circles in this city it is regarded as
certain that Mr.. Wilson will adhere to his pres
ent stand-that he favors votes for women if
the votes granted by the States, but that he
does not favor amending the Constitution to
grant all the Of the nation the ballot