Evening star., 1941-10-30
VOteless Unit
Hears Ballot
Urged Here
Mrs. Callaghan
Calls Franchise
Vital to Defense
BY FRANCES LIDE,
Women's Club Editor.

declaring the Tlgnt TO vote to be
fundamental to the democratic way
Of life, Mrs. Eugene Callaghan, pres
ident of the Voteless District League
Of Women Voters, yesterday de-
scribed the procurement of that
right as one Of the greatest tasks
now before the organization.
Mrs. Callaghan, addressing the
opening luncheon of the season, said
the league does not need to ere
gear" its program to carry out de-
fenSe objectives It's longtime pur-
pose, education for effective partici-
patton of citizens in Government"
is the real spearhead of defense,
she declared.
In the District, however, where
the rights of suffrage and national
representation are denied, partici-
patton in Government is virtually
impossible, she pointed out.
This is local problem, but its
implications involve a nation-in
fact, it whacks at the roots of
democracy" Mrs. Callaghan de-
clared. When an intelligent COM
munity of American citizens is de-
MED that right the whole system of
Government is endangered.
Congress Not in Mood
To Consider ID. c. Vote.
"It is true" she continued, that |
Congress is now busy with specific |
defense legislation and is not now
in the mood to consider this prob |
lem so fundamental to us. Now, |
then, may be the time to concen-
trate our efforts on the education
of the community IN re-considering |
strategy until such day as we can
eXpediently carry the force of our |
arguments to the Hill
At the same session, Mrs. Harold |
Stone. chairman of Government and |
its operation, announced her depart
ment was considering both a sur
vey on the District government .
based on a scientific public opinion
poll and a seminar for reconsidera-
ton with experts on suffrage for
the District"
She suggested that the league
look afresh" at the whole subject
of suffrage in terms OF what is
feasible"
In addition to continuing its work
In connection with legislation, the
league might also undertake a spe-
cial study to make a re-analysis of
the line between the spheres of
proper Federal interest and proper
local interest. she said.
Mrs. Stone was one of five de-
partment chairmen outlining ten
tative subjects for study groups
now being organized.
The suggested subjects closely fol-
lowed the eight points Of the ma
tional league program which touch
on emergency defense conditions.
These are civil liberties, taxation,
prices. collective bargaining. hous-
ing, school facilities. relief and inter-
American cooperation.
Choose Few Projects
And DO Well BY Them
As a city in a defense area. the
District is particularly concerned
with problems relating to housing
and school facilities, it was pointed
out.
The department chairmen reports
Ing were Mrs. Henry P. Chandler.
social welfare; Mrs. Rensis Likert,
education; Mrs. Oscar Chapman,
economic welfare; Mrs. Harvey E.
BeckneI, foreign policy, and Mrs
Stone.
Mrs. Callaghan cautioned members
against forgetting fundamental hu-
man values in desire to aid in war
work The compleXity Of issues
may stun u.s." she said. "but doors
to permanent social betterment are
being opened now which will not
open again for many, many years"
She also said that study is neceS-
sary but urged the body to choose a
few projects and do we'll by them"
More than 200 members, the larG-
est turnout ever recorded at an open
Of the league, attended the
which was held at the
Y. w. c. A.
Officers present, in addition to
Mrs. Callaghan, included Mrs. B. M.
first vice president; Mrs.
Gerard Reilly, second vice president;
Mrs. Edna Johnston, treasurer; Mrs.
Blaine McCollum, recording secre-
tary: Mrs. E. Isaacs, corresponding
secretary, and Mrs. Eugene Dufield
and Mrs. Louis Gutenberg, directors
Mrs. Joseph Ball, publicity chair
man, announced that the first of
series of radio broadcasts entitled
Gossip and Government" would be
presented by the league Monday at
7:30 pm. over Station WINK. The
Neutrality Act will be the subject
Of the first skit.
49,