Evening star., 1918-07-30
PRESIDENT URGES
WOMAN SUFFRAGE
Believes Action on Pending
! Amendment Will Have
Bearing on War.
WRITES SENATOR SHIELDS
BY DAVID LAWRENCE.

nx DhN1D La W nC<NSNs
copyright, 1918. by the New York Evening
Post Company
President Wilson is very busy man
and has a great many problems to de-
eide every day and for long time
nothing except matters vitality related
80 the conduct of the war have oc-
eupied his mind, so it is significant to
note the connection which President
Wilson openly declares that he sees
between the morale of the American
people, their sincere adherence to dem
pcratic principles and the passage by
Che United States Senate Of the federal
amendment to enfranchise women of
this country.
The President does not share the
view that woman suffrage is irrelev-
fant and extraneous at this critical
period of our history. but takes the
time to point out that America Will
make effective war only when she
( has been inspired by such reforms as
he thinks are involved in the giving
of the ballot to the women OF the
United States. Incidentally, the Presi-
dent shows how earnestly he desires
victory in this war, for he says: I'VE
can win II we have the will to win"
Expresses Views to Senator.
The President wrote his views in
s1etter to Senator Shields Of Tennessee.
who replied, giving his sincere objec-
tions. but the President sent the Ten
nessee senator a second letter. and
given below. reflects the whole heart
ed and persistent interest which Mr..
Wilson is showing in the tight Tor
woman suffrage. Whatever doubts
even the pro-sufIrage advocates may
have had before as to the extent OF
Mr. Wilson's enthusiasm for their
cause are now dispelled by the force
fulness of the Presidents Language.
The correspondence, which is made
permission Of the White House. fol-
lows:
Presidents First Letter.
The Presidents first letter to Senator
Shields:
''The White House, Washington.
my Dear Senator: feel SO deeply
: the possibilities latent in the vote
which Is presently to be taken in the
Senate. that am taking step
which in ordinary circumstances I
would not feel justified in taking and
ask you very frankly If it will not be
possible. for you to vote for the
amendment. feel that much of the
morale Of this country and of the
world will repose in our sincere
adherence to democratic principles
will depend upon the action which
the Senate takes in this now critical
1y,important matter. If 1t were mere
ly q domestic question, or IL the
times were normal l would not feel
that could make a direct request of
this sort, but the times are far from
normal the fortunes Of nations are
so linked together, the reactions upon
the thought of the world are so sharp
and involve such momentous issues,
that 1 know that you will indulge
my unusual course Of action and per-
init me to beg very earnestly that
YOU will lend your aid in clearing
away the difficulties which undoubt-
ediy beset US if the amendment is
not adopted.
with much respect sincerely yours,
Senator Shields Response.
To this letter Senator Shields replied:
UNITED States Senate.
my Dear Mr.. President: Your val
med letter concerning the joint reso-
luton proposing an amendment to the
FEDERAL Constitution favoring equal
euffrage. now pending in the United
States Senate. has challenged my most
thoughtful consideration, as do all
your views upon public matters. The
resolution involves fundamental ques-
tions affecting the sovereignty and
&
ernments. most important and vital
to the people of the state which I
have the honor in part to represent
in the United States Senate, and those
BIZ states with which they are closely
allied in all social. economical and
governmental interests, upon which
q have most profound convictions un-
Favorable to 1t, known and, I believe,
Improved by the great majority of the
people Of Tennessee-arrived at after
full consideration of conditions exist
ing when I voted against a similar
one some years ago and those now
confronting our country. The rea-
sons for my conclusions are those
controlling the majority of my COL
leagues from the southern states, well
known to you, and which would not
be interesting to here restate.
Not Regarded as War Issue.
'1f I could bring myself to believe
that the adoption of the resolution
v-vuid contribute to the successful
prosecution of the war we are now
waging with Germany, I would unhesi-
tatingiy vote for 1t, because my whole
heart and soul is involved in bringing
it to a victorious issue. and I am will.
ing to sacrifice everything save the
honor and freedom Of our country in
aiding you to accomplish that end.
But have been unable to do SO. we
cannot reasonably expect the proposed
amendment to be ratified within less
than two years and the discussion Of
it would, unquestionably, divert the
minds and energies of the people from
the one great absorbing subject before
us-the winning of the war-by inyoly-
ing those of many states in most bitter
controversy contrary to our earliest
desire for that unity Of thought and
action of the American people now SO
imperatively required.
These are my sincere convictions.
but, out of my very high respect for
your views, I will continue to give
your suggestions my most thoughtful
and earnest consideration.
with the highest respect. I am,
JOHN K sH1ELDs.-
Reiterates His Views.
On receipt Of the above letter
President Wilson wrote the follow
ing: