Evening star., 1923-04-14
WOMEN VOTE today
ON WORLD COURT
CecilMakes Stirring Plea for
League at League of
Voters.
BY the Associated Press

BY the Associated Press.
DES MONIES, Iowa. April 1.-THE
National League of Women Voters. in
convention here. will decide today
upon recommendations for participa-
tion by the United States in interna-
tional courts seeking to prevent war.
Whether the league shall go on rec
ord as favoring a Permanent Court of
International Justice. as proposed by
President Harding. or participation in
the league of nations. is a question
which was debated vigorously for
more than an hour at yesterdays ses-
sions. and was taken up again imme
diately at the opening of this morn
ing's meeting. The league women at
tended mass meeting last night at
which Lord Robert Cecil, British pro-
ponent of the league of nations, gave
detailed explanation of the func-
tions and duties of the league. Earlier
in the week they heard Herbert
Hoover. Secretary of Commerce. ex-
plain the Presidents proposal for
American participation in the Per-
rnanent Court of international JUS
tice.
In the debate yesterday. political
lines were drawn in the discussion of
proposed amendments to a resolution
introduced by Miss Ruth Morgan Of
New York. chairman of the depart
ment of international affairs of the
league. Her resolution proposed that
the league recommend that the United
States join the Permanent Court.
Lord Robert Cecil closed his ad-
dress last night with a dramatic plea
to the women not to pass by on the
other side of the road to avoid par
tlcipation in the affairs of Europe.
Recalls War Suffering.
II have no request to make of you.
no advice to give you" he said. i
can only say this-do not. I baseech
you. forget the Importance of the
question-important to all alike but
perhaps most of all to women. Think,
! pray you. of the sufferings of the
late war, sufferings which many of
you yourselves must have endured.
sufferings which have been more
widely and deeply felt by other ma
tions of the world.
Think of what is still going on all
over the world-unrest and disquiet
passion and hatred--which are op-
pressing men everywhere. Do not in
the presence of such events pass by
! on the other side. Do not reply that
you are not your brothers keeper.
Whatever we may think in our less
exalted moments. we cannot avoid our
responsibilities as human beings. We
are all members of one family. That
is an absolute truth, an unavoidable
fact"
Lord Robert was enthusiastically re-
ceived and his speech was applauded
frequently. After his address he was
asked a number of questions from the
audience.
Neglect of Ruhr Question.
Asked why the occupation of the Ruhr
by France had not been taken up by
the league of nations he said
Possibly because the smaller nations
are reluctant TO bring up such an i'm
portant question concerning the activi-
ties of so great nation as France and
possibly because the larger nations in
the league are so much interested in the
situation themselves that they feel that
the opportune moment has not vet ar
rived for the discussion of the Ruhr
matter.
1T is my opinion that if there were
a great nation in the league which was
not directly interested in the Ruhr sit
uation the matter would be called to
the attention of the council for discus
soin."
A pro-league enthusiast from the gall
lery yelled: Wen get in soon" This
remark was given considerable applause
Lord Robert said that while he was
not familiar with the details of all of
the objections raised in the United
States to article ten, it was his opinion
that they were very much exaggerated
The league of nations does not set
up super-state in any degree" he de-
clared in answer to another question.
Dozens of questions still remained to
be answered when it was decided by
Chairman Katherine Ludington, of the
women voters, to adjourn the meeting
The convention will adjurn this eve
ming.