South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1921-12-06

Certain groups. ever ignorant
and apathstic. were now vaguely
stirred BY the general confusion OF
what was transpiring. These ele-
ments combined 10 form a colorful
background for our early years.
Gould anything be more dramatic
and thrilling than 20 witness the en-
frenchisement OF millions OF Ameri-
can women under these world condi-
tons! And furthermore 20 witness
the immediate formation OF their
own political organization. 20 study
practical politics from a broader.
more intelligent viewpoint than had
ever been offered by the political
parties. and 20 learn how 20 use their
new weapon. the vote. In the most
effective way. 20 bring about better
world conditions. Particularly were
these earnest new citizens determin-
ed 20 raise the standards for women
and children.
when we look back on those
hectic, eventful days OF 1919 and
realize what we actually lived
through. IL 81 with a deep feeling
OF thankfulness that we consider
our work OF the present and future.
knowing full well that those days OF
doubt and misunderstanding can
never come again.
The League OF Women Voters has
come 70 stay. II has more than
justified itself. Women in all states
and from all classes are Joining our
ranks. many OF them developing into
splendid. forceful leaders Women
from all political parties enroll under
our banner. thus coming together
on a common ground of understand
ing and helpfulness We urge
women 10 enroll IN the political
party OF their choice and seek in
no way to influence their selection.
However. we do ask their help
within their party ranks in infiu-
encing good legislation and IN bring
Ing about better conditions political
ly. Women cannot tolerate many OF
the political practices OF the pact.
Zone OF our strongest features IL
the fostering Of education in citi-
zenship--citizensh schools are put
on by the local leagues as a part
OF their regular work. and speakers
are developed and trained 10 help
other organizations OF women seek
ing enlightenment and education
along these lines.
"As a medium for advancing need
cd legislation. the League OF Women
Voters has shown its value. In In
diana, during the last session Of the
legislature, our legislative committee
was successful in having passed the
new and improved school attendance
and child labor bill which materially
raised the standard OF education in
this state A child must now fnish
the eighth grade or be Is years OF
"ge Educational experts declarr
mis- 10 be a particularly fine piece
OF legislation which in time will bear
fruit in giving US a higher standard
OF citizenship.
AT that same session Of the legis-
lature, we were also successful in
having passed an equal guardian
ship bill making mothers and fathers
equal guardians OF their children
Before. only fathers were the legal
guardians Of their children.
I'VE are all aware Of the wonder
full work done by the Indiana League
Of Women Voters toward the passage
OF Amendment No. 1. making il
necessary for aliens TO take out full
citizenship papers before they are
allowed TO vote. During the exces-
sively warm months OF the summer,
our members worked tirelessly for
the passage OF this measure because
we realized the value OF II. II is
now conceded that our organization
wars responsible for the splendid
work which put through Amend
ment No. 1 which now becomes a
part OF our state constitution.
THE national league. through its
Washington legislative committee.
has cooperated with other women's
orga nizations in bringing about the
passage OF the Sheppard Towner bill,
for the protection OF maternity and
infancy. This country has stood very
low in the protection OF its mothers
and infants. the notably being de-
cidedly low. This law. however. will
bring educational facilities into play
which should in time remedy many
OF the old-time drawbacks.
"Our affiliation with other groups
working along our lines. are most
harmonious. Those who formerly
doubted the wisdom Of forming such
an organization as the League OF
Women Voters are now its warmest
advocates.
Its future is assured. II the ac-
mplishments Of the past two years
is any indication, the future of the
League OF Women Voters is so
bright and full OF promise that we
who are a part Of it, glory in its
being, and look forward 70 a Won
derful future at the Baltimore con
vention In April. The National
League OF Women Voters convention
and the first Pan-American confer
ence OF women will have Joint ses-
sions. The invitations have been
sent out through the state depart
ment and the Pan American confer
ence has the sanction and approval
Of our government
1T Will be a new medium OF un-
Outstanding and friendship between
the various countries on this contin-
emit Women everywhere should
plan now 10 attend. The sessions
are open 10 all"