Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1928-09-12
HOOVER W|THHOLDS
PLEDGE TO WOMEN
FOR EQUAL RIGHTS
Tells Delegation He Must
Make Study of Ques-
ton First.
SAYS HE FAV0RS
EVEN OPPORTUNITY
Members of National Woman's
Party Quiz Candidate on Pro-
posed Amendment.

Herbert Hoover To-Day tOlQ a Qelegd-
ton from the National Woman's Party
that he would not pledge himself to an
equal rights amendment to the Con-
stitution until he had completed an
exhaustive study of the effect OF such
a change in the fundamental law.
The Republican presidential candidate
said he was now having an investlga-
tion made and would carefully consider
the results. He added that he wanted
to be honest with the delegation ana
that he did not know of anything more
serious than for a candidate for ONCE
or a public official to pledge himself TO
work for a change in the Constitution.
He said that any plea for equal oppor-
t,,nitv had strong appeal for him. but
that he had long ago decided not TO
make final conclusions on paramount
public questions without a very careful
study
Women Confer Afterward.
Mr. Hooyers address to the delega-
ton was made at MS neaoqudi 80 So
2315 Massachusetts avenue, anu -
leaving him the delegates reCuIneu W
their headquarters, at Il Flrst ;tei s.itei
,,,Ioro q conference was on this after
noon tn determine what steps the party
will take in the coming election 70
further the interests of equal rights.
Hr Hoover received the Woman $
PARTY delegation in the spacious pa
room, on the second floor of his mead
quarters and listened to pleas LOT
constitutional amendment.
"T think YOU will agree that any plea
based on equal opportunity and re-
moval of restrictions of any group
wouid make a great appeal to me, ne
said II have long regarded that as
an ideal of American life. but II has nct
heen nv habit to rush into determ-
nations on any public questions
Opposes Inequality.
81 would 60 to any extent to remove
restrictions on equality of opportunity
I have the utmost sympathy for you IN
vour problems and have asked some
of INV friends qualified to penetrate the
mazes of this problem to make tnor-
o,lch investigation of the effect OF sucn
an amendment as you propose. :,
"There is on the statute. books OF all
States a mass of legislation designed
primarily for the benefit OF women and
children. / would hesitate to say, WITH
out a thorough and exhaustive study,
that all of these should be brushed
aside with one sweep of the hand.
II want to be honest with you. l do
not know anything more serious for any
public man than to pledge himself to a
change of the Constitution. / am not
going to pledge myself until I have
exhausted my information on the sub
iect If find to my satisfaction that
this is necessary to obtain equality OF
opportunity will be with you
II could not be more frank with you
and I hope you will receive this in the
spirit In which it is given"
The women applauded vigorously as
Mr.. Hoover bowed himself out OF the
room.
Seventy-five Women i'm Party.
The deputation this morning left the
headquarters of the Women's Party to
see Mr. Hoover. They left in automo-
biles with the party colors-purple,
white and yellow-to go to the home of
Mrs Harvey Wiley wife of the noted
food specialist, at 2345 Ashmead place.
where another group of women joined
them.
Headed by Miss Gail Laughlin, Port
land. Me-. Republican member of the
Maine Legislature, who was reelected
this week. there were IS women in the
official delegation, representing Is
States.
Upon arrival at the Republican head
quarters Miss Lauehlin presented the
case for the equal rights cause in this
language:
Most of the Determinations against
Continued on Page 2. Column ~