Evening star., 1948-10-24

the political activities OF their neigh
borhoods and State councils.
"If we women want honest, eff
cient government in community,
State and Nation we have to work
and vote for it, even If we must
bypass our favorite bridge luncheon
foursomes for civic meetings" Mrs.
Rush declared. (Not that she
doesn't enjoy a friendly game Of
bridge herself)
The old adage, Poor officials are
elected by good citizens who fail
to vote is one my sex needs
particularly to keep in mind" she
told me.
To meet and talk with pretty,
vivacious Mrs. Rush would convince
even q nonfeminist that a woman
can more ably and sympathetically
care. for her family If she partici-
pates in movements for community
betterment. Certainly she has dem
onstrated her own convictions on
this score.
IL Years = Voter.
A native Washingtonian, she
voted for the first time after her
husband, DR.. Arma E. Rush, moved
his family to Maryland IL years
ago. Keenly conscious of her new
political privileges, she exerted them
by subsequently serving as Judge
at the polls and precinct chair
man.
She taught a Sunday school class
at Grace Episcopal Church. was &C
tive in the League of Women Voters,
held a series of Offices in the Coles
vile School Parent Teacher Asso-
citation, including its presidency, and
was q trustee of the Colesville
school.
One Of her most treasured fan
letters was received from pupils Of
the school after her election to the
Legislature, to serve until 1850.
She served as chairman Of her
county Homemakers' Health and
Recreational Program and organized
the Colesville Committee for the
Public Health Lay Council. During
the two, years she headed this coun-
Gil it established a local clinic and
obtained quarters for county nurses.
As member of Montgomery
County's Negro School Committee
she was also helpful in bettering
conditions for Negro school children
and teachers.
On Education Committee.
On the Education Committee of
the House of Delegates, she be-
lieves In keeping the voters in
formed as to what is being done IN
the Legislature, and feels 1t is ex-
ceedingly helpful for them to be
articulate as to what they feel Is
best for their communities. Then
they will be more willing to get out
and work for their expressed be-
liefs," she said.
Parents everywhere must see to
it that teachers salaries are COM
mensurately increased, and that less
exacting drudgery Is demanded Of
teachers If the children of America
are not to suffer irretrievably In the
near future" she declared.
Mrs. Rus is just beginning service
on the Committee on Subversive Ac-
tivities recently appointed by Gov.
Lane.
A resolution was passed by her
fellow legislators congratulating her
upon her birthday. on March 5. and
expressing their appreciation of
her gracious, dignified qualities as q
woman and her abilities as legis-
lator."
How does she accomplish 50
much? She credits her family's CO.
operation, plus thoughtful, careful
preparation on her part. Last win
ter, for instance, when 1t was de-
cided she would rtmain in Annap-
oils five days week instead of COM
muting daily, Mrs. Melvin Rush.
her husbands mother, came over
to help out at 115-B West Woodbine
street in Chevy Chase. DR.. Rush
and the two teen-age children, Bob
and Sally. co-operated admirably,
and her two sisters. Mrs. Frank
Gatewood and Mrs George Jones,
who live nearby, were always ready
likewise to lend helping hand.
Every Thursday during the ses-
sions DR.. Rush goes to Annapolis for
the social evening the legislators
hold for themselves and their fam
lilies, so that she always has him to
escort her.
Attended d. c. Schools.
Mrs. Rush is daughter of Mr..