New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1919-03-09
Women of u. S. Plan
To Take Big Part in
Elections Of 1920
Mary Wood Says Sex Will Be
Deciding Factor at Polls;
Passage of Suffrage Bill
Is Called Sure by Leaders

Women are watching the great po-
lltlcal parties of the country these
days with curious eyes. When 1920
comes women are to play more i'm
portant part in national affairs than
they have ever taken before in the
history Of the country. Mary Wood,
lawyer, expert on legislation, club
woman and prominent suffragist, in
an interview yesterday made it plain
that the majority of the new voters
are even now thinking of their partv
affiliations for next year.
The sweet faced Maude Muller of
to-day" Miss Wood said, "if she
catches the eye of the judge, does not
lean on her rake and gaze sadly at
him as he rides slowly into town; she
has found more effective way. She
leans on the political fence and asks
that he come across With an appoint
ment in the attorney generals office
or some state commission.
She has a weapon far more DOW
erful than q rake. The vote is some
thlng which the majority of women
realize must be used with discern
ment."
Miss Wood is, among other impor
tant things, a member Of the New York
County Republican Committee. "Nine-
teen twenty means Republicanism to
me, naturally" she explained. 1T is
none too soon for women like myself
to be thinking of their future party
affiliations. Personally believe that
the Republicans have nrways organized
and utilized the ability and energy
OF women in political work in both
suffrage and anti-suffrage states.
ut has been said,' Miss Wood con-
tlnued, that the real difference be-
tween the Republicans and Democrats
is a state Of mind; but Republican
women are rapidly coming to believe
that a strong nation best protects the
interests of the people and that the
party they are affiliated with is more
than state of mind. Responsibility
makes for conservatism. The enfran-
chlsement OF women in this state not
only gives US new opportunity in
1920, but it also brings CORRESPONDING
obligations.
"The average club woman is not look
ing Tor ldealism in politics-she has at
tended too many club conventions. She
has seen too many elections not to have
thorough understanding of practical
poHtlcs. She is not looking for the
perfect man to elect as an officeholder.
Not Sporadic Activity
III reformcrs cling to the hope that
women are going to clean house, that
they will down the bosses, make things
generally uncomfortable and then drop
into the Indifference of the careless
housekeeper who depends upon her an
nual spring housekeeping to keep up
appearances, they are bound to be dis
appointed.
"ln all matters relating to the status
and conditions of women in industry
reforms which affect them should only
be attempted after thorough study of
their case at first hand. BY organi-
zatlon a lone can women hope to com
mand recognition of their full rights in
labor. The Republican party has
always been the party Of freedom for
opportunity and achievement. We be-
lieve in q representative government
and look forward to 1920 for return
of that special brand which will truly
represent the American people"