Evening star., 1937-12-26

Philadelphia, organization secre
Of Washington, executive secreta
In general. the program Of the
league includes opposition to i'm
perialism and relationships and sup
port Of some form Of economic in
ternationalism which 1t believes would
do much to eliminate many Of the
present causes OF war. Abolition Of
the munitions industry is also ad-
vocated. with the naturalization Of
the industry as the first step in that
direction.
Some Seem Visionary.
Some Of these projects may seem
visionary at the present time. but
the league has plans and studies
showing how they may be accom-
plished. Some Of the projects spon-
sored years ago seemed visionary at
that time. but now that they are
accomplished they seem merely in
evitable Among these are the decla-
ration by the Government that it will
never again intervene with the mill
tary In foreign countries for the pro-
lection Of property; freedom for the
Philippine Islands: Withdrawal of the
marines from Haiti and Nicara qua:
repeal Of the Platt amendment: recog-
milton Of Russia; the investigation of
the munitions industry and the neu-
trality program.
To accomplish its objectives, the
league has program of education
through which it hopes to reach the
entire community and to arouse people
not already concerned about peace.
The educational program includes an
attempt to influence the teaching of
English, geography and history from
. peace point Of view. Organization
Of study groups in clubs and churches
and q campaign of visual education
is planned for adults. Believing as it
does in sovereign people. the league
holds that with proper education the
people will be the final judge of poll
cies and that through their elected
representatives these will be enacted.
Jane Adams Was a Leader.
The Womens International League
for Peace and Freedom began as an
international body. It grew out of a
meeting called in 1915 by a group of
British, Dutch and Belgian women
which was held at The Hague. Jane
Adams. at that time president of
the newly formed Womens Peace
party in this country, was asked to
preside and became the first president
of the international organization. The
American branch was established soon
after that.
The work Is financed through men,
berships, purposely kept low in the
hope Of attracting large numbers;
through special gifts and through such
devices as rummage sales. pencil sales
and the presentation Of children's
dramas at local theaters. Mrs. David
r. Williams is the president Of the
local branch OF the organization, which
holds frequent meetings following the
course OF study planned by the ma
tional officers. The local branch also
conducts q PAX" rummage store at
1874 F street NV, the headquarters
OF the league. This store is under
the direction Of Mrs. Robert E. Sher
and is stated by volunteers. The
local branch also sponsors the series
Of childrens plays given at the Ma
tional Theater. Money raised in this
way is used to promote the work of
the organization.
\ x
The Cercle des Precieuses Ridi-
cules was received on Wednesday eve
ming by Maj. and Mrs. George Oak
ley Totten. It met first in the parlors
Of the Grafton Hotel, where Mai
Totten gave talk on Maya civiliza-
ton and architecture, illustrated by
lantern slides made from his own
photographs. Following this illus
trated talk. Mai. and Mrs. Tottor
gave q reception at their home on
Sixteenth street NV, where re.
freshments were served and where
the guests viewed color sketche.
Of Maya architecture and sculpture
A number Of Latin American artists
were among the guests.
XIX
Ellen Spencer Mussey Tent No
!, Daughters of Union Veterans O.
the Civil War, met with President Syl'
via D. mclaughlin, presiding.
There was q Christmas tree party II
charge Of Anna Horn. Christina
chrals were sung by the Baptist Mall
Quartet, and recitations were giver
by little Margaret Ann Brewington
Community singing by the assembl!
with Hermione Sutton at the piano
Harold ]. Mclaughlin, Of tn
American Legion, acted as Santa Clau
and presented each with gift.
The next meeting Is January IA.
X X
Leslie Ford, writer Of mystery stories
was the guest Of honor at the Tues
day meeting Of the Women's Nationa
Press Club and under questioning re
vealed some of the mysteries o
writing detective tales. She has tw
pseudonyms, Leslie Ford" being on
Of them and the other David Frome,
which Is used when her books ar
published In England. When presses
to tell who committed the murde
in her story, which has Washingtol
Is its locale, and Is now rlnnin
serislly in . magazine, she said tha
IL had been written 80 long ago tha
she had forgotten