Evening star., 1942-02-17
200 Women Gather
Al Capitol 10 Honor
Susan B. Anthony
Speaker Urges Revival
Of Pioneer Spirit to Keer
U. S. Strong and Free

~. ,. Stron9 ono FIee
Two hundred representatives of
American womanhood gathered
yesterday at one Of their most cher
ished national shrines-the statue
of Susan B. Anthony in the crypt
of the Capitol-for inspiration for
the arduous days ahead.
The occasion was the commem-
grafton of the 122d anniversary Of
the famed suffrage leaders birth.
Honor also was paid to Miss An
thongs colleagues, Elizabeth Cady
Stanton and Lucretia Mott, whose
figures also are carved in the marble
block.
Speeches centered around the
crisis which confronts the Nation
and the responsibilities Of women
in the days ahead.
Senator Kilgore, Democrat, OF
West Virginia said:
I'VE have all, men and women
alike, sat back and seen the smaller
democracies of Europe fail one after
another with a belief in our hearts
that this can never happen to us.
Recalls Pioneer Spirit.
I'VE must realize and we should
realize after the recent successes
of our enemies that there is
possibility, in fact a strong posi-
bility, that this might happen to
us unless we are united and de-
termined in our efforts, determined
to such an extent that all Of us
are willing to make the ultimate in
sacrifices that slavery may not come
upon us"
Women, he continued, would be
the greatest sufferers" If this Ma
ton were defeated. He pointed to
the status of women in Germany
and the conquered countries and
called it "pitiful."
8 They have become the playthings
Of the army and the slaves Of the
government" he declared.
He said women must "look this
situation in the face" and sum-
,noned them to emulate the exam
piles set by women Of the pioneer
days in keeping the nation strong,
vigorous and free"
Cites Example of England.
Representative Baldwin, Repubh-
ean, of New York, said he would
take a practical step" shortly IN
enlisting women in the war effort.
He said he would introduce a bill
calling for registration of all women
between the ages Of 18 and IS ION
an equal basis with the men"
He recalled a recent visit to Eng
land. where women, he said, are
making a vital effort" in their
nations behalf, actually manning
snti-aircraft guns, in addition to
driving trucks and working in fac
tories and the rescue services.
Recalling the suffrage leaders ef-
forts on behalf of women's rights
as we'll as responsibilities, Mr.. Bald
win said: This final stage of the
long battle initiated by Susan B.
Anthony is coming perforce to
dramatic head. Modern warfare
has demonstrated that the time
honored prerogative of men to do
all the fighting Is no longer posi-
ble."
Warns Legislator.
Another speaker, Mrs. Emma Guf-
fey Miller, Democratic National
Committeewoman from Pennsyl-
vania, reviewed provisions Of pend
ing legislation setting up a women's
army corps, pointing out that its
members would man mess halls,
centers, serve in air
raid warning systems and other
places where "they can really do
the job better than men,"
In this connection she mentioned
the proposal of Representative Will
son of Indiana to establish a 10 pm.
curfew for women in Government
service.
Il want to warn him. Mrs. Miller
said, that it's going to be hard
keeping them In the Government
when they can join the Women's
Army Corps and stay out all night |
saving the lives of lawmakers dur
ing an air raid"
Mrs. Harvey w. Wiley, chairman |
Of the National Women's party, |
presided at the exercises, and urged |
action by Congress on the so-called |
equal rights" amendment to the
Evolutionary Movement.
1--WE are part of great evolu-
tionary movement, the movement
10 give liberty to the individual" she
said. This movement was inau-
surated by the Founder of the
Christian religion, over 1900 years
ago. Every gain that has been made
since that time has been won at
great cost and sacrifice. The present
phase of this liberatarian movement
Is to place men and women on an
equal footing, to give them equal
constitutional status"
Miss Susan B. Antohny, I'd, repre-
senting the Congress Of Women's
c. I. O., was one of
those who spoke briefly on behalf of
their respective organizations. Miss
Anthony is the great-niece of the
suffrage leader and was her only
relative present at the ceremony.
Mrs. Muna Lee, assistant director
Of the department of cultural rela-'
lions with Latin America, read a
poem she composed for the occasion
urging the participants to draw in
spiration from Miss Anthony's deeds.
Many Groups Participate.
I The Marine Band Orchestra, con-
Quoted by William E. Pheifer,
played several selections.
Among the organizations partici-
pating we're: Inter- American Com
Of Women, Woman's Single
Tax Club, Women of Puerto Rico,
Federation of SoroptimiStS