Albuquerque morning journal. [volume] (Albuquerque, N.M.) 1903-1926, 1921-08-26
Women Leaders of the Country
Want Delegate at Arms ParIeu

Washington, Aug. 25.-(Special.)
When Alice Robertson of Okla
homa, only woman member Of con-
gress, announced that she doubted
the wisdom of appointing a woman
on the disarmament commission
because she knew OF none who
possessed the necessary qualifica-
tions, she raised a storm which
mas not yet subsided. Prominent
women from all sections of the
G. untry have fastened to deny the
truth of Miss Robertsons state
ment. They assert that the nation
is well supplied with women emil
nently qualified to serve in any
capacity, on any commission at
any time or place.
Miss Robertson gave the follow
ing as the necessary qualifications
of q woman member of the disar-
mament commissions:
]. knowledge of international law.
2. Thorough acquaintance with
diplomatic formalities.
8. Ability to speak French.
4. Assured social position to COM
mand respect of male coll
leagues.
Below are given statements from
a few representative women, show
ing what they think of Miss Rob-
ertson and her qualifications:
Miss Robertson Is Scored.
Mrs. James Lees Laidlaw, sec
ond vice chairman of the Woman's
Non-Partisan Pro-League council,
Port Washington, L. Miss Rob-
ertson's statement is absurd. It in
dicates that she herself feels her
own lack, apparently, of those
qualifications. Evidently she has
little knowledge of the women of
the country who are doing things
worth while. Every one who has
ever done any kind of national
work knows that in every part of
the country there are women who
possess ev2ry one of those qualifi-
cations. can name half dozen
such women without stopping to
think a minute.
The idea of putting social posi-
ton down as one of those qualifi-
cations is ridiculous, especially
when one considers the absolute
disregard of social position usually
followed in political appointments.
l understand there are to be but
five men on that disarmament
commission. I know at least two
of them who, in point of qualifica-
tions, could well be replaced by
women whose qualifications are
much higher.
Women are the agitators of this
Of disarmament. 1t is
women who are in a position to put
over this whole proposition for dis
Therefore, for the very
of the commission
there should be woman on it.
/ can mention offhand half a
dozen women any one of whom
would be a valuable acquisition to
such a commission: They are:l
Mrs. Borden Hartman, Mrs. Nor
man De r. Whitehouse, Mrs. Mont
gomery Hare, Mrs. Frank Wander
lip, Mrs. Carrie Chapman Gait,
Mrs. Valentine of Virginia and. Mrs.
James Tucker of California.
Sees Need of Woman's Outlook.
Maud Wood Park, president Ma
tional League of Woman Voters,
Washington Miss Rabertson.|
makes the mistake of assuming
that international affairs should be
arranged solely by diplomats. The
war has taught US that the great
masses of the people should be
represented in International agree
ments.
] realize that women have not
had opportunity for training in
diplomatic procedure. but since
women have special responsibility
for human life, l believe that the
woman's point of view. if repre-
sented at that conference, would
be of ar-reaching value.
Moreover. really representa-
live woman in the delegation would
10 much to secure the support and