The New York herald., 1922-04-30
FEMININE BLOC STIRS
CONGRESS LEADERS
Party Chiefs Disturbed by
New Factor i'm Political
Situation.
EQUALITY is KEYNOTE
Removal of Disabilities
Sought by Constitutional
Amendment.
FOR SHARE IN OFFICES
Lady Astor's Influence Felt in
WOmen's Demand for Full
Rights.
EQUALITY is KEYNOTE
FOR SHARE IN OFFICES
ny LOUIS sEIBoLD.

ny LOUIS sEIBOLD.
Special Dispatch 10 THr NEW YoHK HERALD
New York Herald Bureau.
Washington. ID. e.. April 20.
Not the least disturbing of the blocs
two political parties is that made up
of groups OF the eternal feminine.
For more than two weeks in rapid
sequence organizations of representa-
tives of the new voters created by the
Nineteenth Amendment have been
holding conventions in Washington
and Baltimore. The White House and
the Capitol not only have felt their
presence but conceded their growing
influence in the political affairs Of the
country.
Senators and Representatives, har-
assed by the conflicting demands OF
the agricultural bloc and the impor-
tunities and threats of the promoters
Of the bonus raid, to say nothing OF
their own maneuvers for reelection.
have been compelled to pay good
deal more attention to the views and
recommendations of 1000 women in
the aggregate who have figured re-
Gently in Washington events.
Factors I'm Political Game.
While most Of the women represent
Ing the Daughters of the American
Revolution, the Colonial Danes, the
National League of Women Voters,
the League of American Pen Women.
the District Of Columbia Mothers and
the Nurses Of New York City disclaim
partisan ambitions, the fact remains
that they have inquired very promi-
nently In the hectic game OF politics
which infests every department of the
Government.
The inhibition Of politics in the gov
erning rules of these organizations
has not restrained them from express
ing positive views concerning Con-
gressional undertakings and executive
policies of the Administration.
Government officials and members
OF Congress have expressed surprise
after continued. conferences with COM
mittees representing the woman or
ganizations over the political knowi-
edge displayed by them. That the new
voters rapidly are learning the technic
OF the political game is pretty gener-
ally conceded by the hitherto male
masters Of 1t.
Further than this II Is admitted by
these hard boiled and seasoned ex-
perts who were inclined toamake light
OF the Nineteenth Amendment that
the women with whom they came In
contact during the conferences OF the
feminine bloc not only know what
they want but have fairly clear idea
Of how to go about getting IT, The
theory Of some OF the old timers
among the men that the women would
be content with "a cozy corner, tea
set and an invitation to adopt harm
less resolutions" has not worked out
according to schedule.
Lady Astor's Influence.
tics have taken a tip from Lady Astor
Is matter OF opinion. Some of the
male leaders OF the two major parties
are inclined to credit (or blame) the
distinguished American woman mem
Der Of the British Parliament for in
jecting lot Of pep in woman's cause
here.
At any rate the initiative displayed
by Lady Astor is admitted by the men
leaders to have added to their com
plexities In handling the new voters
In this country. Polite pleasantriee
and fatuous sophistries have not
proved as effective In diverting the
feminine mind from Its political and
Legislative objective.
In their conferences with Govern
ment officials and members OF Con
gress the representative women in the
organizations which have contributed
colorful and dIanimated atmosphere to
the sordid and complex routine of the
Capitol have reflected a determination
TO advance beyond the experimental
stage OF the equal suffrage policy to
which the country Is committed and "a
come down to. concrete and specific
undertakings.
Few of the Senators and Repre-
sentatives who are devoting rather
more attention to their own respective
political ambitions than to the busi-
ness Of the nation now doub the pur-
ness Of the nation now doubt the pur-
pose OF women to enter into active par
for the substantial as well as senti-
mental emouments OF the newly ac-
quired privilege.
Competitors In Congress Fight.
Probably score of the Senators and
Representatives Who are anxious 10
hold their seats have the very best
reason In the world for anticipating
trouble from the new voters. They
admit the probability OF contest with
women aspirants for seats they now
hold. Eleven women throughout the
country have already announced them
selves as candidates for the House,
and at least two are even casting their
eyes toward the coveted seats in the
Senate.
The success of Lady Astor In her
adopted country and her encourage
mpnt to women 10 seek n placp and