The spectator., 1920-11-09

work soon to be outlined.
 Plans made immediately following the conclusion of hostilities in the World war. contemplated the meeting of pending obligations and the with dr1wa of the American Red Cross from Europe at the earliest possible moment It was believed that by this time practically all active work abroad could be terminated. But the existing situation was not foreSeen. The after-war menace of epidemic dls- eases was not presented in full force until some time subsequent 10 the signing of the armistice and the prob lem of the children has been given its most appealing force since economic der way
 Cannot Withdraw Now.
 For the American Red Cross to withdraw from Europe now woul Id be world catastrophe. This is the con viction not only of Doctor Farrand but of all the experts who have made observation abroad. The aid which the American people must extend, both in the interest of humanity and for their own self-interest. has in the American Red Cross one of its chief mediums of action. There will be Seri- ouS emergencies that must be met dur ing the coming winter and there will be need for outside aid In relief and welfare work, especially in the Bal kans and the countries of eastern Eu- rope. for al least another year.
 Doctor Farrand reports that prog. ress is being made in the restoration of industrial and general economic conditions. and he was particularly impressed by the unexpected progress that has been made in the rcclaiminS of lands in the devastated regions of France and by the general crop out look. Poland is the country where the results of a crop shortage are most feared during the winter months Warfare within the borders of Poland is largely responsible for the condi- tions, and suffering bordering on starvation may ensue. Broadly speak ing. the starvation problem and the problem of clothing the people are not as acute as they were year ago, thanks in no small meaSure to the work of the American relief adm!nis- tration.
 Women Voters Told Their Duty.
 Now that woman suffrage is an as sured thing. the leaders of the suffrage movement are doing all In their power 10 convince women that they should vote. With skill born of long experi- ence In dealing with recalcitrant con gresses and legislatures. the women leaders are now circularizlng their con- stituency and pointing out not only the duty of voting but how women should ance with which 1t Is desirable that women voters shall make their choice at the polls.
 This work is being done under the direction of Mrs. Maude Wood Park. chairman of the National League of Women Voters who suggests that the first duty of the organization Is to see that women register and vote in the largest possible numbers. That duty we owe," says Mrs. Park. ito these who have won the suffrage for us. As loyal members of the league of women voters," Mrs. Park contin- ues. "we have next to ask ourselves what we can do to make our own votes and those of other women in telligent and effective for good. A third and no less important duty between now and election day Is to dates for congress on the blanks drawn up for presentation 10 political parties"
 Their Pianks in All Platforms.
 This last, one may well imagine. will prove one of the most interest ing of the tasks the wome, have as- l signed themselves. The suffrage leaders took no chances of being overlooked by any oi the political parties but. having drawn up set of blanks emhodyins issues in which they were interested. thcy presented l them 10 the platform makers at all | the political conventions except that of the Socialist party, which had been held before the blanks were sent out 1 If the woman vote were To be cas' strictly In accordance with partisan l indorsement of the woman's platform the Prohibition party might stand q fair chance of winning the election ir several states. for that party adopted the whole batch without change, ant this on its own Initiative. The Farmer-Labor party took very man. of them, and the Democrats and Re puhlicans gave substantial indorse ment to the propositions advanced by the leagre of women voters.
 Whether the attitude or the vari ous parties toward the women's plat form can he set forth with suilicien clearness 10 serve as guide In th' voting and at the same time do jus ticc to the actual position of tho