Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1920-11-02
MRS. e. E. MELlCk
On the Future Of Women In Politics

OH tne FutuTS OF WoTHc1 w Fo't'SS
ILIOMEN of today are looking forward.
w The troubles and problems of obtaining
equal suffrage are forgotten. They have the
vote. They are looking into the future.
studying the broadest and best uses OF their
now privileges.
Such is the belief of Mrs. Elmer Il.
Melck prominent society and club woman
Of Philadelphia. who led the flying squadron
Of the Republican women's committee on It's
successful campaign tour of the state these
last two weeks.
THE duty Of women today is to enter
local politics." she said. in an interview at
the Grocer Building, where the Republican
women have their headquarters. They
should take part wherever they can. accept
Office whepever asked. They should not hes
itate. It will not be especially pleasant at
first but no woman can afford to shirk her
duty. She has the vote and she must accept
the duties that go with it. We are nowhere
schooling in local politics first. We must
work shoulder to shoulder with the men,
learn from them and help them.
Women Well Organized
"The Republican women OF Pennsylvania
are splendidly organized, and the organiza y
ton is going to stand. It's purpose will be
to instruct its members in the policies of the
Republican party-in the mechanism and
personnel of Republicanism.
ingly the men who are elected to see that
they carry out their promises. We want to
know il they make good. Another time we
shall have part in the primaries and shall be
better fitted to speak concerning men nomi-
mated.
THE majority of the women in Pennsyl-
vania will vote this year, l believe. But
many of them have only become interested
in the game this last week. l am convinced
that our 'fying squadron speeches and
k.AIn.,
have made them think for themselves and
see that their duty Is to vote We must
change civic conditions. 1t is not war con
ditions we are interested in, but our home
surroundings. Women want something sta
bilized, they want to know how they stand
in their own community. They want to
better educational facilities and civic affairs
of various sorts. Housing, food prices, labor
conditions, all these things are of Importance
to women in the community. The field
before the woman citizen of today is a broad
one-her duties are vast and important.
Men Want Women's Aid
"The best men in the state are asking for
our help. Only the scalawags are afraid of
us. In our flying tour of the state we met
with the greatest courtesy, enthusiasm and
praise. We want to keep on helping 'the
men. Women are today voting for principle
rather than individuals in most cases, and
/ believe, their votes are going to help better
II am so thrilled, so interested in our new
opportunities. ] should like to see every
woman enthused to the highest pitch and
happily working for the best interests of
her community. Why, we are merely be.
ginning our work with this election. Voting
today simply starts our ball rolling The
real actual work remains to be done in
watching, helping and planning better
things
AS an example of how the women of the
state regard politics and suffrage, Mrs.
Melick told some of the experiences during
the flying squadron's tour. "At Gettys-
burg" she said 1.-THE meeting was scheduled
for 9 80 o'clock. Country women by the
dozens were there at / o'clock in order not
to miss anything. We did not get there till
4 o'clock, and the hall full of people waited
all that time. 1t was most enthusiastic
| meeting In many cities there were delega
tions from every ward in the county In
| Columbia our meeting had not been sched-
uled but as soon as Republican leaders there
learned we were on the way they sent their
committee members throughout the town to
| ring doorbells and invite people to attend
| The house was simply crowded in a short
| time, and we held rousing meeting.
| have never seen such interest and pep
| Women were eager to learn all they could
about politics. Men were apprecative and
helpful.
Expects Intelligent Vote
| "Of course, there will be women who have
| not learned the technicalltics Of voting, and