Evening star., 1931-12-27
Women Of Diplomacy
Interesting Interviews With Interesting Person.
ages Now in Washington.
BY PAULINE 4. FREDERICK.

OF Nations, the International Bank
and numerous subsidiary organizations
maintaining here their international
headquarters. Geneva is literally, as
well as figuratively, a city that is set
on hill. 1t cannot be hid.
THE eyes of the world seem to be
turned on Gevena," Nine. Peter de-
clared.
When asked why it was that tiny
bear the brunt of world-co operative
organizations this interesting lady of
the diplomatic corps replied:
My country has always had an in
ternatioNal meaning In it are blended
three distinct raceS-the French, Ital-
ian and German. Also the languages
Of these three racial groups are spoken
in my country. Then, too, Switzerland
is located in central position in
Europe. These things, no doubt, inf1u-
enced nations in selecting Geneva for
the center of their peace activities.
Moreover. when they had guaranteed
our neutraliay they could hardly expect
us to engage in war"
When Switzerland became neutral she
often was the haven for refugees from
other countries where there happened
to be political change and unrest.
There were, of course, other foreign
ers who came, too, not to flee from
great inspiration in a Sojourn there
Nine. Peter spoke of some of the IA
nous persons who have lived for time
at Geneva.
The spirited Lord Byron, in his trav
els from place to place, had stopped
for time at the Swiss capital. Here,
too, Percy Bysshe Shelly, the skylark
of the poets" paused to feast his soul
on the beauty he loved so much. In
addition, Nine. Peter pointed to Metz
che, the German philosopher; the great
LisZt, and Chopin, the famous Polish
pianist, all of whom have at some time
resided in little Switzerland.
L couldn't forget, either" she de-
clared, that the great religious leader,
Calvin, settled in Geneva. 1t was here
that he founded the University OF Ge-
neva in 1859"
In speaking Of universities Nine
Peter recalled that Switzerland had
such an institution as early as 1850, the
year in which the University of Bale
was established.
Many scientists came to Switzerland
to consult de SauSsure" she continued.
Even today some of his famous inStru-
mentS are being used. Still others came
to see Tronchin, doctor-f friend of Vol
taire"
Geneva has another claim to fame
according to Nine. Peter. Here, in 1863,
was founded the Red Cross by Dunant
| Swiss from Geneva.
X X
Switzerland is an interesting country
| from a national as well as an inter-
national point of view.
Our government is confederation,
Nine Peter explained. Our federal
constitution uniteS the 25 cantonS. but
each canton has large degree of self
government.
"One interesting thing about the can
tons" she continued, lis that each has
its own particular custom for its
people
National authority, according to Nine.
Peter, rests with parliament of two
chambers. These are known as
"Standerat" or State Council composed
of A members, and the "Nationalrat"
or National Council composed of l78
members. Seven members then are
elected from the parliament by that
body to form the ruling cabinet, or Fed
eral Council. The president is elected
by the Parliament from among the
members of the Federal Council. He
serves lot one year, anu III lillo way
the presidency is passed around among
the members of the Federal Council.
X
There is universal suffrage through
out Switzerland" Nine. Peter de-
clared In many places, too, the peo
pie meet in popular assemblies to vote
directly for their local officers. This
is surely an example of democracy in
its pureSt form"
As for education, Switzerland is do
ing more than her share. Today this
little Republic has less illiteracy in COM
parison with its population than any