New York Times
SUFFRAGISTS DEAL BLOW TO MILITANTS
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Tell President They Disclaim All Responsibility for the Naval Review
Incident.
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CALL IT DELIBERATE PLAN
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Assail Congressional Union in Resolution of Apology—Delegates Defeat
Hobson's Peace Proposal.
Special to the New York Times.
CHICAGO, June 8. — Delegates to the mid-year conference of the National American Woman Suffrage Association today adopted a resolution condemning the action of two suffragists who, during the recent naval review in New York, attempted to force an interview with President Wilson.
The resolution, which was passed almost unanimously, was aimed at the Congressional Union. It marked the close of the fight between the administration and the insurgents, inside the organization and out of it. A motion was carried to send a copy of the resolution to the White House after Dr. Anna Howard Shaw and other leaders had spoken feelingly in its behalf. The resolution was as follows:
Whereas, The recent attempt of the Congressional Union for Woman Suffrage to force an interview with the President of the United States at a most inopportune time has brought condemnation upon all suffragists; and,
Whereas, This organization is in no way connected with the great body of suffragists represented by the National American Woman Suffrage Association, but it is a new organization with methods and policies diametrically opposite to those of the National Association;
Be it resolved, That this conference of members of the National American Woman Suffrage Association assembled in Chicago, Illinois, on this the eighth day of June, 1915, do hereby deprecate this action and disclaim all responsibility for or sympathy with the same.
And be it resolved, That a copy of this resolution be sent to the President of the United States.
Mrs. James S. Morrison of Chicago introduced the resolution after another measure demanding that "no members of the official board of the Executive Council, or of the standing or special national committees of the National American Woman Suffrage Association, shall be officially connected with or publicly working for the Congressional Union" had been tabled. This resolution, which would have expelled Mrs. Henry H. Youmans, President of the Wisconsin organization, Mrs. Grace Wilbur Trout, President of the Illinois branch, and others of prominence was introduced by Miss Margaret Topliff of New York.
Miss Alice Stone Blackwell of Boston asserted that MIss Topliff's resolution would necessitate a change in the constitution. She continued, "Even if we could do it, which we can't, it would not be wise.
Mrs. Youmans was instantly on her feet. "I understand that I am responsible only to the women of Wisconsin whom I represent." she asserted.
A quick smothering of the motion restored peace. Although the supposed militants remain in the organization, militancy as a principle was denounced vehemently. In support of the resolution to be sent to President Wilson, Dr. Shaw said:
"This is the first opportunity we have had to get together and take action. The behavior of the two paid young English militants was more than an attempt to deliver a letter to the President. They tried to force themselves past the Secret Service men. They climbed on a sofa and screamed, 'Votes for women!' As the President passed they yelled, 'He's a great evader,' I think we must take a stand on this question of militancy. The young women were sent by Miss Paul and Mrs. Belmont. It was part of a policy which will be carried on during the rest of the season wherever the President goes."
Dr. Shaw's words were echoed by dozens of delegates. "We must make it clear to the country that the National Association does not believe in heckling the President," exclaimed Mrs. Helen H. Gardner of the Congressional Committee.
A resolution introduced by Mrs. A. H. Potter of Minnesota demanding that the Congressional Committee cease to work for the Shafroth amendment was tabled by a vote of 57 to 21. The committee received authority to push this amendment, which was drafted by Mrs. Antoinette Funk and Mrs. Medil McCormick. The friends of the Congressional Union have been fighting the Shafroth measure.
A Resolution of approval for the work of Miss Jane Addams as a member of the Woman's Peace Party was passed unanimously, but another peace resolution introduced at the requestion of Congressman Richmond P. Hobson of Alabama was table. The Hobson resolution provided that circulars should be sent to Members of Congress and to the President asserting that the temper of the country was pacific. The resolution was opposed on the ground that the association should not approach Congress on any question except suffrage.
Miss Kate Gordon of New Orleans sent up a resolution which urged women to demand "goods made in suffrage States." Miss Laura Clay of Kentucky, who represented Miss Gordon, said that the resolution was intended as a weapon to improve the industrial condition under which women and children work.
"If we can approach Senators and Congressmen for suffrage, I don't see why we can't go to storekeepers for goods made in suffrage States," said Miss Clay.
Dr. Shaw objected that the suffrage States were not the industrial States with the exception of Illinois. "We could only buy canteloupes and oranges," she exclaimed. The resolution was tabled.
After a secret session the delegates were entertained at a dinner given by the Chicago Equal Suffrage Association in honor of the Executive Council.
