Evening star., 1947-06-25
ICIubwomen Refuse
Refugee Bill Support
AFTER Bitter Debate
By Fronees Lide
Star staff correspondent

NEW 1OfGh, June Zo.-h1tcI y
bitter debate, the Seth annual con-
vention OF the General Federation
of Womens Clubs today refused to
support q resolution backing the
principles of the Stratton bill,
which provides for admission OF dis
placed persons to this country on
immigration quotas unused during
the war years.
The resolution was rejected by a
vote of 556 to 341 after the delegates
had heard arguments that the adj
mission of 100000 refugees over a
four-year period would deprive vet
Grams of homes and job opportun-
tiles and that the United States
should not become the dumping
ground of Europe's excess popula-
ton" The spirited debate before
the vote was marked by booes,
Misses and loud applause.
Miss Poquita Rabell of Opalocka,
Fla, was official spokesman for the
opponents of the resolution, answer
ing an address made in its behalf
at the convention yesterday.
Says Charity Begins at Home.
Miss Rabell recalled the conven-
ton had been told that all of the
displaced persons being considered
for admission were skilled workers.
But our. vocational schools are
bulging with GIs who are learning
to become skilled workers." she de-
clared.
''Is this the way we expect to re-
pay them for their sacrifices? I
firmly believe that charity begins
at home" she said.
One Of the most dramatic pleas
in behalf of the resolution came
from foreign delegate, Mrs. S.
Tovborg- Jensen of Copenhagen,
who pointed out that Denmark is
taking care of more than zoe, 900
displaced persons who entered the
country before the war ended.
The Danes suffered SO much in
detention camps that they feel it
a point of honor to provide the
best possible food and care for
those in their own detention
camps" she said.
Mrs. La Fell Dickinson, retiring
president of the federation, later
issued a statement asserting that
she was heart broken" over the
action taken by the federation. She
called it a backward step" and
said she felt the women had lost a
great opportunity to make a real
contribution to peace.
Mrs. Wiley Speaks.
Mrs. Harvey w. Wiley of Wash
ington, national chairman of leg
islation, led the delegates who
spoke in favor of the measure, ex-
planning that she personally was
responsible for the wording of the
resolution.
Mrs. J. L. Blair Buck of Rich
mond, unopposed candidate to sue
ceed Mrs. Dickinson as president,
also said she was deeply disap-
pointed" at the outcome of the
vote on the displaced persons reso-
luton. She termed the proposal
extremely important to interna-
tiional friendship.
Earlier, an Anacostia High School
June graduate told the Federation of
Women's ClubsStoday that drinking
is as common as eating and sleeping
to some teen-agers." but that young
people all over the country are
learning it's possible to have good
times without alcohol, thanks to
Allied Youth, Inc.
Program of Education.
Diane Ritnour, 1S, daughter of
Mr.. and Mrs. Stuart Ritnour of
Washington, was one of eight young
women chosen to answer the ques-
ton What Can We Do About the
American Home?" as the convention
turned the spotlight on its junior
members at the morning program
Diane explained that Allied Youth
has posts connected with many high
schools to educate young people on
the subject of alcohol and to develop
alcohol-free recreational programs.
A session last night was high light
ed by an address on the United Ma
tipns by Mrs. Franklin D. Roosevelt.
Calling the United Nationsl just a
piece of machinery" Mrs. Roose-
welt told the club women 1t is up
to them to make it work by what
they do in their own communities.
you can achieve peace" she de-
clared," by creating individuals cap
able of living with peace in their
hearts and by helping to create COM
munities capable of taking their part
in a peaceful world
d. C. Women on Program.
Several Washington residents
were presented on the program
yesterday. Mrs. Nellie Tayloe Ross,
director OF the mint, spoke briefly
at the afternoon session and honor