New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-04-02
Leader Describes Work Of
Women in European
War
Senator Is Rebuked
Recognition Won in England
Cited as Tribute to Aid
in Nations Need

Mrs. Norman De r. Whithou'.
chairman Of the New York State
Woman Suffrage party. wrote to State
Senator Elon r. Brown Yesterday. TAX
ing him 20 task for the grounds on
which he based his opposition 70
suffrage Senator Brown. in a speech
on March y. said that he was op-
posed TO extending the franchise 10
women because women couldn't defend
the nation. and pointed 20 the soldiers
OF France and Belgium, all of them
men, as proof.
although your party Endorsed the
principle Of woman suffrage at it's ma
tiona convention. and recommended a
submission OF woman suffrage 20 the
voters Of New York State at the NEXT
election in November. at its state con-
vention," Mrs. Whtehouse said. and
although you yourself voted in favor
q this resubmission amendment. new
ertheless, in your speech to the Senate
VI NOUudgs hdlNN 10 NOu 10Y
"T am opposed TO woman suffrage,
because IL conflicts with my ideals
OF manhood and womsnhood.
Among the qualities of the ideal man
IS the reserve force TO save and lfo-
tect women and children from the az
gressor. The present European
conflict illustrates my point Who
fights? The men OF France or the
women Of France? Who for
Belgium? Women can neither
defend themselves nor the state
"The issue is clear. You publicly de-
clare in the halls OF legislation at Al
bany that women can neither defend
themselves or the state Can il be
that you are ignorant of what is going
on to-day in Europe? Is it possible
you have failed to read what for a.
most three years now others have been
reading of the part played to-day by
women in Germany, France, Italy and
Great Britain? You say women can
neither defend themselves nor the
sta.e.'
British View of Case
an reply permit me 70 call your at
tention to a different point Of view
than yours. held by three Of the lead
ing statesmen. of the British govern
ment. On March 20 the British gov
eminent was squsrely committed 70
woman suffrage. In the House OF Com
mons, Prime Minister Lloyd George
declared strongly In favor of il when
commencing a programme OF electoral
reform that had been submitted by Mr..
Asquith, his predecessor.
Paying the warmest tribute 20
woman's work during the war. cspe-
oially the devotion, courage and zeal
OF women munition makers, Mr.. Lloyd
George said:
when after the war the nation
comes to recast the whole industrial
fabric, to give women no voice therein
would be an outrage: II would be in
equitable, unjust and ungrateful. and
believe that the country would not
sanction such injustice for a moment.
am glad that men of all political faith
have agreed upon a basis for an cleo
torate. millions of whom made sscri-
fees for their country
an the House of Commons Mr. As
quith moved for prompt legislation to
give tUENL " THESE
Asquith Won Over
my opposition to woman suffrage.
he explained. always was based solely
on considerations of public eXpediency.
The women have now worked out their
own salvation. The war could not be
carried on without them
Colonial Secretary Long said:
81 have been lifelong opponent Of
woman suffrage, but il | still held the
ssme views-which | do mott would
rot raise my voice against granting
recognition 10 women, who have suf-
fered and died for their country in, the
war, and without whose heroism, self
denial, skill, physical strength and en-
durance the country could never have
faced its hour Of crisis.
1.-The situation here will be no differ
emit. Your party has said that women
should have the right TO vote. The ex-
rorience Of England has proved It. On
what grounds do you still believe that
they should be denied that right"