The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-10-09
MRS. SLATER IN
 SOUTH CAROLINA

Mrs. J. T. Slater of South Carolina. but formerly of Birmingham, writes most Interestingly of her trip through that state In interest of Liberty Loan work ana aoout the womens views on suf- frage. The letter is as follows:
 The most stimulating introducttons that have on my trips through South carolina, ssin the interest of the fourth Liberty Loan is the one which l very frequently hear. when sometimes least expected, that the speaker is an Alabama woman and a suffragist, two facts that make my heart fairly burst With pride. It is natural with these qualifications that I should be engaged in patriotic work An Alabama woman and suf- fragist could not do otherwise, in these stressful times
 One would think that from the action or the senators of South Carolina that there is no suffrage sentiment among the women of this state. A greater mis- take was never made by politicians. Christie Benett, the junior senator from South Carolina, stated on the floor of the Senate that there was no special suffrage sentiment in South Carolina, that he did not consider woman suffrage war measure, and for these reasons voted against it.
 My duties IS organizer of the state for the fourth Liberty Loan have car
  of the state as well as the most popu- lous ones. I speak from personal ob- serVationS, and declare without reservaL tion, that the women of South Carolina are as full of suffrage sentiment as the women of any other southern state. The leaders in the war work are mostly suf- fragists everywhere I go, and like the good suffra gists that they are they have suppressed and subordinated their per- sonal thoughts because of the loyalty that they feel in making this war work their first aim and consideration. They have been silent on this cause which is dear to their hearts, a cause which they feel is just and right. But now since our President has declared woman. suffrage war measure, and by this declaration has broken the seal of their silence it is our purpose to work for it. to talk for it, to strive for it in every war activity in which we are engaged.
 "It is with the greatest regret that I have heard of a pronounced effort against the cause of woman suffrage in Selma, the most sacred place on earth to me. 1 do hope that those who are behind this move will stop and think what this ton means Our President has said that woman suffrage is a war measure, to oppose a war measure Is an act of dis loyalty! However as disloyal as this act is, within itself it's effect is the very reverse of what they intend. Their false statements are everywhere brand- ed as false, are known to be false and only stimulate those who are for the cause.
 How am hoping with all of my heart that the declaration of our President will lift the veil of darkness and make them soon see the clear light of their duty.
 Believing as firmly as I believe that we are going to win this cruel war, be- lieve women will soon no longer be put on the same plane with criminals. insane and aliens, but that our American men will recognize us to be people and real citizens of the United States of America. And when this does come about l feel as Honest Abe expressed it, It will leave good will tc all and enmity to none.'
 Yours for all war measures,
 "OCTAVIA LAUDERDALE SLATTER."