The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1916-02-24
BRANCH IS FORMED
Kansas Now Has Congressional
Union Party.
Membership Of so Netting 500
Is Result Here.
PLENTY OF ORATORY THERE
DIR. Harding and Mrs. Case Left
r. Before Adjournment.
Three Women in Front Row
Couldn't Stay Awake.

Kansas launched branch of the
congressional union late Wednesday
evening wheT the NernOn-Stevens-
Monroe organization secured an
adoptiOu of their program in Topeka.
Probably 40 or so of the 125 women
in the house of representative signed
membership cards, while ten or
dozen women pledged cash donations
for something less than 500. The
meeting was perfectly organized and
when DR.. Eva Harding and Mrs. Lucia
o. Case of Topeka, entered the hall,
the lines were frightened and every
chance for a row was cvaded.
Oratorical fireworks during the
afternoon were furnished by Miss Doris
Stevens Of New York and Miss Mabel
Vernon of Delaware. They mad been
trained before they came to Kansas.
They kept a watchful eye on the au-
dience and closed up every avenue of
possible trouble. They occupied the
floor time and when q general invita-
fion for questions was issued, the in
vitation was hemmed with provisions
and restrictions. Both Dr. Harding
and Mrs. Case left the hall before
the close of the meeting
Use Your Power
Miss Stevens pleaded with the wom-
en- to use the power which the Kansas
legislature and male voters had given
Those men in congress understand
one language and they understand it
welli Why don't you use the power
that has been given you? Why don't
YOU talk to those men in the language
they understand? Why don't you pun
ish those men for refusing to give
YOU the thing you want-just as you
would reward them for favors2
Miss Stevens had talked nearly 20
minutes to an audience that was at
tentive, but not demonstrative. As
Miss Stevens urged that women eXer-
else their rights, there was no evil
dence of applause. Three women
two in the front row of seats-were
to all appearances asleep.
women should have the same
rights as men-we must get them,
urged Miss Stevens. dozen women
clapped their hands. 1t was the first
expression from the women in the
audience. Miss Stevens again won
applause when she declared, THE
time for justice is now-right now. II
Il is right for women to vote, it is
right for them to vote right now.
Miss Stevens said that the fight for
national suffrage would not be waged
before congress during the present
at least not during the next few
months. Instead. the fight will be
carried against the administration in
suffrage states.
we will not carry on our fight be-
fore congress during the next few
months" said Miss Stevens. I'VE Will
make the fight in the territory where
women have power-the states where
women vote"
Then Miss Stevens proceeded to
start a fire under Congressman Jo-
seph Taggart of the Second Kansas
district. Taggart is a Democrat. While
he is willing to vote for suffrage, Miss
Stevens said the Second district mem
5cr was not enthusiastic or active
She then urged the women to adopt a
resolution calling for Congressman
Taggart to get busy.
Miss Mabel Vernon spoke for twenty
minutes, following the Stevens talk.
in her speech before the Kansas wom-
en-, Miss Vernon employed real mill
tant tactics. Sometimes she leaned
far over the speakers desk and shook
determined index finger at the wom-
en- in the crowd. Sometimes she ges-
ticulated dramatically. Again she
would beat on the desk with her
clenched fist. For twenty minutes she
pleaded and begged the Kansas wom-
en- to come to the aid of eastern wom-
en- in the fight for the ballot.
Then Miss Vernon took up the
cause of finance. For another ten
minutes she worked for cash. All the
methods of the finished revivalist
were employed. She asked for $40
contributions and Mrs. Lila Day Mon
noe, who presided at the meeting, and
Mrs. J. d. Mcfarland responded. Then
came several SIS offerings. Ultimately
Miss Stevens asked for dollar. fifty
cents-anything.
Give Your Street Car Fare.
"Oh. won't you Kansas women re-
spOnd - she pleaded. Wont you
help those who helped you? If you
can't give a dollar, give something
anything Give your street car fare
Walk home. 1t is a fine day and this
sacrifice will do you good"
There were few women who showed
desire to walk home and the crowd
sat unmoved. Then Miss Vernon tried
again.
et-"Maybe some Of you want to make
an offering for your mother, your sis
ter. your daughter-someone who il
dear. someone you love. Maybe they
made this fight before you. Make i
easier for those who are to come"
A IS memorial contribution was re
ceived. Then a half dozen fashion
ably gowned ladies passed contribution
boxes. The women adopted resolu
tons calling on Congressman Taggar
to get busy. officers We're elected anC
the meeting was over.
The officers are: Mrs. Dan Case
nent. Of Manhattan. chairman: Mrs
X. l. Holmes of Wichita. Mrs. w. s
Roark OF Junction City. Mrs. Ed Ar
mold Of Chapman. Mrs. y. f. Smol
of Newton. Mrs. w. y. Morgan O
Hutchinson. Mrs. w. II. Haskell o
Kansas City. Mrs. f. e. Forter o
Marysville, and Miss Maud Mary Kiln
of Topeka. vice chairmen: Miss Iri
.Calderhead of Wichita. secretary. an
Miss Edna Hopkins of Topeka treas
urer.