Every evening, Wilmington daily commercial., 1920-01-14
SUFFRAG|STS OPEN
OFFICES At DOVER
Executive Board Meets at New
Headquarters; Confidence in
Early Action by Delaware

That both the Democratic and Re-
publican parties are ready TO offer I'M
portant appointments to the women OF
Delaware, now that their enfranchise-
ment is nearly won, and that Delaware
women will steadfastly refuse those
honors until Delaware men show them
selves in favor of the vote for women
through n ratification of the Suffrage
Amendment, was firmly believed by those
who attended yesterdays meeting OF the
Executive Board of the Delaware Equal
Suffrage Association at Dover.
At the opening of the new headquarters
Of the Dover League, on state street,
Mrs. Henry Ridgcly president OF the
association. told the assembled suffrapste
that none need be surprised to have
appointments offered them by the two
political parties, but that the women
would refuse the profered honors was
the opinion of the speaker, and 1t met
with the approval of those present. Sup
porting this earnest feeling on the part
, Of the leaders was the action Of Mrs
Ridgely and Miss Leah Burton IN dc
cining to accept invitations 10 the Jackson
Day Democratic dinner in Washington
and the Republican dinner in New York,
rcspectiveiv, both of which took place
last week Mrs. Ridgely and Miss burton
were present at the dinners, but strictly
as non-partisans.
The jackson Day dinner, which Mrs
Ridgely attended, was notable affair
held ct the Willard and Washington
hotels in Washington. Many noted
speakers were present, among others
william Jennings Bryan and A. Mitchell
Palmer. The Republican dinner. at
tended bv Miss Burton, was also Of great
interest. with noted party leaders present
The opening OF citizenship classes for
the women OF Delaware was an important
announcement made yesterday afternoon,
also the almost certain prospect Of ratiti-
cation nj an early date Indeed so con-
fidcnt OF tho Legislature assembling arc
tho suffragists that general tone OF
optimism was apparent at the meeting.
An Immediate intensive Canpa IGN for n
s.. 600 preliminary fund for cducation m
citizenship for women will te begun and =
division Of the State into districts and oi
towns into wards.
The Dover League opened its attractive
new headquarters, yesterday, under
auspici0tIS circumstances. The executive
board of the State association and other
guests enjoyed the housewarming with
Inc hospifality of the occasion extended
hS NlTS. 1tt&tNfIt AtdiilAAlbitA4 ttAtCto''1
ot the Dover lcagtc. ass,sted by Mrs.
s Watson and Mrs. Howell BuckIng-
ham.
The rooms were artistlcally arranged
and delicious refreshments were served.
The location Of the now headquarters on
State street, near the Capitol and hotels,
makes il an ideal choice on the part o.
the Dover branch.
The morning session Of the executive
board. at the Hotel Richardson, was at
tended by 16 members Henry
Ridgelv. Miss Wiulfrcd Morris, Mrs. John
Fskridce. Seaford; Miss Leah Burton,
I,ewes: Mrs John " Davis, Selbyville;
Mrs. Robert Houston, Georgetown; Mrs.
Ahieman, Georgetown; Mrs. J. c. Pcnnc-
Will Wilmington; Mrs. Cunmlns Speak
maa. SMYRNA; Mrs Harmon Reynolds.
Townsend: Mrs George T. Galloway
Seaford. Mrs. Albert McMahon, Wash
incton; Miss Salllc Hall. Frankfort
Mrs George II Draper. Milford. Mrs.
Ridge!v presided over the meeting
Miss Leah Burton. chairman Of legs
lation gave her report. and reports we're
heard from the various organizations.
Dc]ecstes Ia the national convention
in Chicago were elected Is follows. Mrs.
Henry Eidgely, Miss Wiuifred Morris,
Mrs. Harmon Reynolds Mrs. James II
Hughes. Mrs. Thomas Horsey Mrs. J I.
Penncwill Mrs Albert Mcmahon. Airs
John Eskridge.
The following committees and chair
men Tor citizenship classes were named
Education of women IN American cIti-
zenship Dean Windred Robinson; child
welfare. Mrs James H. Hughes, pro-
lection Of women in industry. Miss Agnes
/ Downey; social hygiene. DIR. Anne Ship
lev; food supply and demand, Mrs. j. c.
Penneu1l: unihcation Of laws, Mrs.
Thomas W Miller
After the meeting delightful luncheon
-, eAils,i Ia the dInlngroom Of the