NAWSA Subject File Congressional Committees Women's Joint Congressional Committee AIMS AND PURPOSES The Women's Joint Congressional Committee is the outcome of a movement on the part of the great national organizations of women to pool their resources and cooperate for the support of Federal legislation which affects the interests of women in particular and makes for good government in general. Many of the organizations maintain national headquarters in Washington, or at least legislative offices, with the sole purpose of keeping in touch with Federal legislation and conveying to members of Congress the sentiments of the constituents. Inasmuch as many organizations are working for the same measure, in order to avoid useless duplication and an almost inevitable working at cross purposes, the Joint Committee was organized as a clearing house for the discussion of congressional legislation in which the various organizations are interested. Meetings of the Committee are held at the headquarters of the National League of Women Voters through the courtesy of that organization. The first meeting was held November 22, 1920, when the Committee chose its name and elected its officers: Mrs. Maud Wood Park, Chairman; Mrs. Ellis A. Yost, Vice-Chairman and Treasurer; Mrs. Arthur C. Watkins, Secretary; representing respectively the National League of Women Voters, the Woman's Christian Temperance Union, and National Congress of Mothers and Parent-Teacher Associations. Other member organizations with their representatives are: American Association of University Women, Mrs. Raymond Morgan, Washington; American Home Economics Association, Miss Louise Stanley, St. Louis; Federation of College Women, Mrs. Basil Manly, Washington; General Federation of Women's Clubs, Mrs. Edward P. White, Indianapolis, and Miss Lida Hafford, Louisville; National Consumers' League, Mrs. Florence Kelley, New York City, and Miss Jannette Rankin, New York City; National Council of Jewish Women, Mrs. Alexander Wolf, Washington; National Federation of Business and Professional Women, Miss Mary Stewart, Washington; National Women's Trade Union League. Miss Ethel Smith, Washington; Women's League for Peace and Freedom, Miss Jane Addams, Chicago. The Joint Congressional Committee itself is pledged to no legislative program. Obviously, that would be impossible with so many different groups represented. It is even possible that certain measures endorsed by one group may be opposed by another. No organization, in joining the Committee, is committing itself to any policy except that of cooperation wherever possible. Therefore, in order to permit all organizations to participate to the limits of their field or specific commitments and to eliminate all chance for any organization to be involved in backing a bill or a principle outside of its scope, or contrary to its expressed opinions, the Committee divided itself into subcommittees on each bill or legislative principle, with the representatives of organizations committed to special legislation automatically members of all subcommittees on subjects included in their programs. These are the working committees. They choose their own officers. They have frequent meetings, agree upon a common program, and work in the closest cooperation. The composite legislative program covered some twenty measures, all mainly designed to better the lot of women and children, and in some instances including improved living and working conditions for men. the women will endeavor to marshal their facts in such a manner as to convince Congressmen of the justice of their claims and so secure the passage of their measures on the sound basis of actual conviction on the part of Congressmen backed by a clear demand on the part of their constituents [*Not Press Notes*] National League of Women Voters 918 Munsey Building, Washington, D. C. RELEASE MONDAY Dec. 20 19[??] Julia Hinsman, Publicity Director JOINT CONGRESSIONAL COMMITTEE HOLD SECOND MEETING IN WASHINGTON Women are rapidly learning that "In union there is strength" and are putting their knowledge to practical use. Witness the Women's Joint Congressional Committee, representing eleven of the largest women's organizations in the United States, which for the first time in the history of the country has united the interests of women. This Committee will hold its second meeting at the office of the National League of Women Voters in Washington, this morning at ten o'clock. Organizations and their representatives making up the committee are: General Federation of Woman's Clubs, Mrs. Edward Franklin White, Indianapolis, Indiana, and Miss Lida Hafford, Louisville, Kentucky; Woman's Christian Temperance Union, Mrs. Ellis A. Yost, West Virginia; National Congress of Mothers and Parent-Teacher Associations, Mrs. Milton P. Higgins, Worcester, Massachusetts and Mrs. Arthur C. Watkins, Washington, D. C.; National Consumers' League, Mrs. Florence Kelley, New York City and Miss Janette Rankin, New York City; Association of Collegiate Alumnae, Mrs. Raymond B. Morgan, Washington, D. C.; National Association of Business and Professional Women's Clubs, Miss Lena Phillips, New York City; National Congress of Jewish Women; National Women's Trade Union League, Miss Ethel Smith, Washington, D. C.; National League of Women Voters, Mrs. Maud Wood Park, Washington, D. C. Mrs. Maud Wood Park, Chairman of the Joint Committee and of the National League of Women Voters, explains that the committee was formed for the purpose of providing a clearing house for the discussion of congressional legislation in which the various organizations are interested. It is the aim of the committee to pool the resources of all organizations interested in the specific measure, thus gaining strength in favor of the proposed legislation without duplication and without committing any organization to the support of a bill which it has not endorsed. The Joint Committee is pledged to no legislative program itself but merely provides an opportunity for organizations which have endorsed a certain bill to unite their strength by forming a sub-committee, such as the Sheppard-Towner sub-committee interested in the Sheppard-Towner bill for maternity and infancy care, which will work only for its specific measure. A the meeting reports from the sub-committees will be made. Chief among these will be the reports of the Sheppard-Towner Committee which has carried on such successful work during the past two weeks, and of the Smith-Towner sub-committ working for the educational bill of that name. Immediately after the reports, representatives of organizations favoring the Sheppard-Towner bill will go to the House Office Building to attend the hearin before the Interstate and Foreign Commerce Committee on the Sheppard-Towner bill, which was introduced in the House by Representative Horace Towner of Iowa. The hearing is to be held in the House Committee Room at 10:30 A. M. The attached letter sent to the following names: Miss Lida Haffard - Gen'l Federation of women's clubs Miss M. Parkhurst - Nat'l League of women voters. Mrs. Alice Bradford Wiles - D. A. R. Mrs. Adolph Kahn - Council of Jewish Women. Mrs. E. A. Yost - W.C.T.U. Mrs. Raymond B. Morgan - American Ass'n of Univ. Women. (Copy for your files) G. Lushy. WOMEN'S JOINT CONGRESSIONAL COMMITTEE. SUB-COMMITTEE FOR THE FESS-CAPPER BILL. 309 HOMER BUILDING WASHINGTON, D.C. December 15, 1921 Mrs. Raymond B. Morgan American Association of University Women 1749 Corcoran Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. Dear Mrs. Morgan: In accordance with our agreement at the meeting of the Sub-Committee on the Fess-Capper Physical Education Bill, I submit for the approval of your Board the following: First, that since a number of powerful groups outside the Women's Organizations are now making a real drive through the country to pass the Fess- Capper Bill in the present session, each organization ask its locals to become active. Organizations situated in the North and West, where the Republicans are strong, should get delegations of women to wait on the State Republican Leaders and tell them that they confidently expect that they will see to it that the Republican Party Pledge for Universal Physical Education Legislation be kept and that they feel it can best be kept by effecting at once the passage of the Fess- Capper Physical Education Bill. Organizations in Southern States should wait on their political leaders, tell them how active the Southern States are in physical education, how their last Presidential Candidate endorsed this movement and how they now wish them to bring all pressure to bear on the Democratic Leaders for the passage of the Fess-Capper Physical Education Bill. All organizations, whether North or South, should be asked to get as many letters as possible to Senators and Congressmen here in Washington. It should be pointed out to the women that no matter how much they care about the health of the children, unless this sentiment reaches Washington it is well nigh lost, as far as helping through a national physical education movement is concerned. It is particularly important that each State Leader write or talk to State political leaders (in and out of Congress) asking them to urge their National Leaders to force the Bill up for a vote this winter. Of course, as you remember we discussed just what Division or Department ought to administer the Physical Education Act. A very authentic rumor says that the report to the Reorganization Committee will shortly be made concerning the allocation of the Department of Education, Public Welfare, Children's Bureau, etc. etc. It seems probable that physical education will be placed under a Department called Education and Welfare and administered by education but we shall know definitely, probably early in January. In short, those organizations that are pushing for a Department of Education can continue to push, while working also for establishing the principle of Federal Aid in Education by pushing for what may prove easiest Federal Aid proposal - Physical Education. -2- I shall return to Washington on the 30th of December. In the meantime, let us energize our locals. With best Christmas wishes, Sincerely, (Signed) Elizabeth Tilton Temporary Chairman Sub-Committee for the Foss-Capper Bill Women's Joint Congressional Committee ET:B The Clerical Administrative and Fiscal Service, which includes all classes of positions the duties of which are to perform clerical, administrative or accounting work, or any other work commonly associated with office, business, or fiscal administration. Compensation rates as follows: Grade 1, $1,140, $1,200, $1,260, $1,320, $1,380, $1,440 and $1,500. Grade 2, $1,320, $1,380, $1,440, $1,500, $1,560 $1,620 and $1680. Grade 3, $1,500, 1,560, $1,620, $1,680, $1,740, $1,800 and $1,860. Grade 4, $1,680, $1,740, $1,800, $1,860, $1,920, $1,980 and $2,040. Grade 5, $1,860 $1,920, $2,000, $2,100, $2,200, $2,300 and $2,400. Grade 6, $2,100, $2,200, $2,300, $2,400, $2,500, $2,600 and $2,700. Grade 7, $2,400, $2,500, $2,600, $2,700, $2,800, $2,900 and $3,000. Grade 8, $2,700,$2,800, $2,900, $3,000, $3,100, $3,200 and $3,300. Grade 9, $3,000, $3,100, $3,200, $3,300, $3,400, $3,500 and $3,600. Grade 10, $3,300, $3,400, $3,500, $3,600, $3,700, $3,800 and $3,900. Grade 11, $3,800, $4,000, $4,200, $4,400, $4,600, $4,800 and $5,000, unless a higher rate is specifically authorized by law. Grade 12, $5,200, $5,400, $5,600, $5,800 and $6,000, unless a higher rate is specifically authorized by law. Grade 13, $6,000, $6,500, $7,000 and $7,500, unless a higher rate is specifically authorized by law. Grade 14, $7,500, unless a higher rate is specifically authorized by law. The Custodial Service, including all classes of positions the duties of which are to supervise or to perform manual work involved in the custody, maintenance and protection of public buildings, premises and equipment, the transportation of public officers, employes or property and the transmission of official papers. Grade 1, junior messengers, $600, $630, $660, $690, $750 and $780. Grade 2, [$780], [$840], $900, $960, $1,020, $1,080 and $1,140; Provided, That charwomen working part time be paid at the rate of 40 cents an hour and head charwomen at the rate of 45 cents an hour. * Grade 3, [$900], [$960], $1,020, $1,080, $1,140, $1,200 and $1,260. * NOTE -- By clerical error in enrolling of this bill, the two lower rates in grade 2 and 3, which were eliminated by the Senate and the Conferees, are carried in the Act as printed. Correction will be made by concurrent resolution of Congress before the rates become effective. Fifth Page Grade 4, $1,140, $1,200, $1,260, $1,320, $1,380, $1,440 and $1,500. Grade 5, $1,320 $1,380, $1,440, $1,500, $1,560, $1,620 and $1,680 Grade 6, $1,500, $1,560, $1,620, $1,680, $1,740, $1,800 and $1,860. Grade 7, $1,680, $1,740, $1,800, $1,860, $1,920, $1,980 and $2,040. Grade 8, $1,860, $1,920, $2,000, $2,100, $2,200, $2,300 and $2,400. Grade 9, $2,100, $2,200, $2,300, $2,400, $2,500, $2,600 and $2,700. Grade 10, $2,400, $2,500, $2,600, $2,700, $2,800, $2,900 and $3,000. Clerical-Mechanical Service, including all classes of positions which are not in a recognized trade or craft and which are located in the Government Printing Office, the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, and the Mail Equipment Shop, the duties of which are to perform or to direct manual or machine operations requiring special skill or experience, or to perform or direct the counting, examining, sorting or other verification of the product of manual or machine operations. Compensation rates as follows: Grade 1, 45 to 50 cents an hour. Grade 2, 55 to 60 cents an hour. Grade 3, 65 to 70 cents an hour. Grade 4, 80 to 90 cents an hour. Grade 5, $3,000, $3,100, $3,200, $3,300, $3,400, $3,500 and $3,600 a year. The National Federation of Federal Employees has local unions in 45 States and six of the continental and island possessions of the United States. The membership represents every branch of the civil service of the United States Government. Subscribe for membership through the local nearest to you or Send your application direct to the National Headquarters Initiation fee One Dollar JAMES P. McKEON, Secretary-Treasurer 1423 New York Avenue Washington, D.C. Sixth Page The Reclassification Law Was passed by Congress and signed by the President March 4, 1923. Is the result of a four-years' campaign by the National Federation of Federal Employees. Establishes a new employment policy for the United States Government. Means a new deal for the federal employees-- a square deal. If you are a member of the Federation, this accomplishment has cost you four years' dues and rewarded you with the satisfaction of successful cooperative effort. IT'S WORTH IT! If you are not a member, you will benefit by what your fellow-employees have accomplished -- and should not continue to let them do the work without you. IT'S TIME FOR YOU TO SIGN UP! The task is not finished. The foundation is laid, the machinery set up--but the actual reclassification is yet to be done. The employees have still a big job before them--a job which cannot be done without organization. Read the Terms of the Law and You Will See Why! _______________________________________________________________ WHAT THE RECLASSIFICATION ACT DOES I. Applies to all civilian positions in any department or executive branch of the United States government except positions in the Postal Service, teachers and other employees under the Board of Education, the police and fire departments of the District of Columbia, the commissioned personnel of the Coast Guard, Public Health Service and Cost and Geodetic Survey, and skilled trades and labor except as noted below (Par. VI). II. Establishes an official Personnel Classification Board to consist of the Director of the Bureau of the Budget or alternate, a member of the Civil Service Commission or alternate, the Chief of the U.S. Bureau of Efficiency or alternate, the Director of the Bureau of the Budget or his alternate to be chairman. The Board as organized, therefore, includes Brigadier-General H.M. Lord, Director of the Budget, who has names Judge W.W. Warwick, former Comptroller of the Treasure, as his alternate; George R. Wales, member of the Civil Service Commission, with Guy Moffett as his alternate; Herbert D. Brown, Chief of the U. S. Bureau of Efficiency, with Harold N. Graves as his alternate. III. Includes compensation schedules for positions in the District of Columbia and provides that the field service shall be surveyed by the Classifying Board, report to be made to Congress upon said survey at the next session. IV. The Personnel Classification Board is required to provide for ascertaining and recording the duties of positions and the qualification required of incumbents, and it shall prepare and publish an adequate statement giving (1) the duties and responsibilities involved in the classes to be established within the several grades, illustrated where necessary by examples of typical tasks, (2) the minimum qualifications required for the satisfactory performance of such duties and tasks, and (3) the titles given to said classes. The board may from time to time designate additional classes within the several grades and may combine, divide, alter, or abolish existing classes. V. Compensation schedules effective July 1, 1924. All statutory salaries abolished thereafter. VI. Compensation schedules for positions in the District of Columbia cover the professional and scientific service, the sub-professional service, the clerical, administrative and fiscal service, the custodial service, the clerical-mechanical service, and such skilled trades and labor as are under the direction and control of the custodian of a public building or perform work which is subordinate, incidental, or preparatory to work of a professional, scientific or technical character. ________________________________________________________ Second Page ________________________________________________________ VII. Employees shall be allocated to their appropriate grade and salary rate by the heads of the respective departments after consultation with the Personnel Classification Board and in accordance with a uniform procedure prescribed by the Board. Such allocations shall be reviewed and may be revised by the Board and shall be final upon the Board's approval. VIII. Increase in compensation to the next higher rate within the grade is allowed upon attainment and maintenance of appropriate efficiency ratings. Intervals of advancement not restricted. IX. Equal compensation for equal work irrespective of sex is mandatory. X. Efficiency rating systems already established or to be established shall be reviewed and may be revised by the Board. XI. Efficiency records shall be accessible to the employees under conditions to be determined by the Board. XII. Appeal may be made to the Board in respect of allocations or efficiency ratings. XIII. Rules for determining compensation to be established initially: 1. Existing compensation of employees to be computed including bonus. 2. If existing salary is lower than the compensation scheduled, increase to be made to the minimum for the appropriate grade. 3. If existing salary is within the range of the new schedules at one of the rates fixed therein, no change to be made. 4. If existing salary is within the range but not at a rate specified in the new schedule, increase shall be made to the next higher rate. 5. If the employee is not a veteran of the Civil War or the widow of such veteran and is receiving pay in excess of the range of the schedule, compensation shall be reduced to the nearest rate. 6. All new appointments to be made at the minimum for the grade or class thereof. XIV. Interdepartmental transfers at increased pay no longer prohibited. XV. The Board as a permanent agency is required to study compensation rates and from time to time to report to Congress with a view to reasonable adjustment. ____________________________________________________________ Third Page ____________________________________________________________ COMPENSATION SCHEDULES FOR THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA The professional and scientific service shall include all classes of positions the duties of which are to perform routine, advisory, administrative or research work which is based upon the established principles of a profession or science, and which requires professional, scientific or technical training equivalent to that represented by graduation from a college or university of recognized standing. Compensation rates as follows: Grade 1, $1,860, $1,920, $2,000, $2,100, $2,200, $2,300 and $2,400. Grade 2, $2,400, $2,500, $2,600, $2,700, $2,800, $2,900 and $3,000. Grade 3, $3,000, $3,100, $3,200, $3,300, $3,400, $3,500 and $3,600. Grade 4, $3,800, $4,000, $4,200, $4,400, $4,600, $4,800 and $5,000, unless a higher rate is specifically authorized by law. Grade 5, $5,200, $5,400, $5,600, $5,800 and $6,000, unless a higher rate is specifically authorized by law. Grade 6, $6,000, $6,500, $7,000 and $7,500, unless a higher rate is specifically authorized by law. Grade 7, $7,500, unless a higher rate is specifically authorized by law. The Sub-Professional Service shall include all classes of positions the duties of which are to perform work which is incident, subordinate or preparatory to the work required of employees holding positions in the professional and scientific service, and which requires or involves professional, scientific or technical training of any degree inferior to that represented by graduation from a college or university of recognized standing. Compensation rates as follows: Grade 1, $900, $960, $1,020, $1,080, $1,140, $1,200 and $1,260. Grade 2, $1,140, $1,200, $1,260, $1,320, $1,380, $1,440 and $1,500. Grade 3, $1,320, $1,380, $1,440, $1,500, $1,560, $1,620 and $1,680. Grade 4, $1,500, $1,560, $1,620, $1,680, $1,740, $1,800 and $1,860. Grade 5, $1,680, $1,740, $1,800, $1,860, $1,920, $1,980 and $2,040. Grade 6, $1,860, $1,920, $2,000, $2,100, $2,200, $2,300 and $2,400 Grade 7, $2,100, $2,200, $2,300, $2,400, $2,500, $2,600 and $2,700. Grade 8, $2,400, $2,500, $2,600, $2,700, $2,800, $2,900 and $3,000. _____________________________________________________ Fourth Page MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE WOMEN'S JOINT CONGRESSIONAL COMMITTEE MAY 29, 1922. ------ The Women's Joint Congressional Committee met with the National Congress of Mothers and Parent-Teacher Associations on Monday, May 20, 1022. The meeting was called to order at 10:45 by the chairman, Mrs. Maud Wood Park. The following were present: Mrs. Park, Mrs. Yost, and Mrs. Watkins, officers; Mrs. Kelley, Mrs. Morgan, Miss Ingle, Mrs. MacClintock, Miss Hafford, Miss Smith, Mrs. Swiggett, and Miss Stewart, members of the committee; Mrs. Costigan, alternate; Miss Klein of Arkansas League of Women Voters, Mrs. Robert J. Burdette of California Federation of Women's Clubs, Miss Jeannette Rankin, Consumers' League, and Miss James, District League of Women Voters. The Secretary read the minutes of the meeting of May 1, 1922. Mrs. Morgan asked that the name of the American Association of University Women be added to the list of those having indorsed the Capper-Focht and the Fess-Capper Bills in the report of the Publicity Committee. With this addition the minutes were approved as read. Mrs. Watkins said that letter embodying the action taken at the last meeting regarding the admission of the Women's International League for Peace and Freedom to membership on the W.J.C.C., had been sent to Mrs. Post. Mrs. Post was asked to forward the information to the Secretary of her organization. The Treasurer read the following report: Contributions from Affiliated Organization: Received from - (Woman's Christian Temperance Union paid before books were closed last year) General Federation of Women's Clubs $10.00 National Consumers' League 10.00 League of Women Voters 10.00 The Girls' Friendly Society of America 10.00 Natl. Congress of Mothers and Parent-Teacher Assns. 10.00 Natl. Board of Y. W. C. A. 10.00 Council of Jewish Women 10.00 National Council of Women 10.00 Business and Professional Women's Clubs 10.00 American Home Economics Association 10.00 Women's Trade Union League 10.00 Received for Aims and Purposes Leaflet: Y. W. C. A. 1.00 Business and Professional Women's Clubs 10.00 General Federation of Women's Clubs 5.00 Council of Jewish Women 1.50 Woman's Christian Temperance Union 1.00 League of Women Voters 5.00 National Consumers' League 1.00 $134.50 Disbursements: Dec. 28, 1921, Commercial Office Service (for mimeo, minutes of Nov. meeting) $18.00 Dec. 20, 1921, Commercial Office Service (for mimeo. Secretary's report) 4.45 -2- Dec. 28, 1921, Commercial Office Service (Mimeo, Annual Minutes) $30.25 Jan. 14, 1922, Commercial Office Service (Mimeo. Dec. minutes) 9.78 Jan. 14, 1922, Secretary Joint Committee (stamps) 5.00 Feb. 7, 1922, Hay Rubber Co. (Stamp and pad) .70 Feb. 15, 1922, Commercial Office Service 6.24 March 6, 1922, Commercial Office Service (Mimeo, Feb. minutes) 8.40 March 20, 1922, The Doing Printing Co. (Printing 100 post cards) 5.20 March 12, 1922, Commercial Office Service 17.09 May 8, 1922, Williams-Webb Co. (printing leaflets) 39.80 May 3, 1922, Mrs. Samuel McClintock (messenger service & typing in connection with publicity) 2.50 Total $147.41 Deficit . . . . . . . $12.91 Attention should be called to an error in disbursements in April account. In adding, the total showed the deficit $10.00 less that the actual amount. - - - - - Mrs. Morgan moved that the report be accepted. The motion was carried. Mrs. Costigan reported for the Publicity Committee: In addition to the 8,000 leaflets originally ordered and reported at the last meeting 350 more were secured, 200 for the National Council of Women and 150 for the Girls Friendly Society. Notices of the present meeting were sent to the Washington newspapers and published in all of them. Reports of the meeting of May1, 1922, were sent to all the papers on our mailing list. Mrs. Kelley moved that the report be accepted. The motion was carried. Mrs. Park suggested that Mrs. Kelley remain chairman of the committee on admissions with the understanding that Mrs. Abrams serve when Mrs. Kelley is absent. Mrs. Kelley consented to do so. MissStewart reported for the Lookout Committee. (Report appended) Miss Smith moved that the report be accepted. The motion was carried. The amendments to the By-Laws were considered and both the amendment to the amendment and the amendment were lost. The following reports were given. These reports are appended to the minutes: Sheppard-Towner, Mrs. Costigan, Reclassification, Miss Smith (No written report) Independent Citizenship, Miss Hafford (no written report) Towner-Sterling, Mrs. Watkins, Capper-Focht, Mrs. Costigan, Fess-Capper, Mrs. Watkins, After the report of the Independent Citizenship subcommittee, Mrs. Park read the following letter which was referred to that subcommittee: - 3 - "CONFERENCE ON IMMIGRATION POLICY 244 Madison Avenue, New York City. May 25, 1922 "Mrs. Maud Wood Park, Chairman, Women's Joint Congressional Committee, Washington, D. C. Dear Mrs. Park: The Conference on Immigration Policy, through its Legislative Committee, has made a study of the Johnson Bill (H.10860) and the Shortridge Bill (S. 3403) pertaining to the registration of aliens. We are opposing these bills for the following reason: I. Registration of aliens is; Unconstitutional Impracticable Oppressive Provocative of ill will toward the Government. II.Educational work does not belong to the Department of Labor, but to another Federal Department. III. The naturalization procedure is still vague and impracticable. IV. The citizenship status of married woman and of children is badly expressed and provocative of international complications. We should appreciate so much if you could tell us what organizations, holding membership in the Women's Congressional Committee, are interested in this matter or who have brought forward any definite proposals or actions. Sincerely yours, (signed) Mary E. Hurlbutt Member, Legislative Committee Conference on Immigration Policy." Notice was given by Miss Smith of a hearing on Child Labor before the Judiciary Committee of the House at 10 A.M. on June 1st. Announcement was made that the official representative of the American Home Economics Association is Miss Van Hoesen. Miss Richardson is the Alternate. It was decided to have a meeting on the Interdepartmental Social Hygiene Board as soon as possible, the National League of Women Voters to call such meeting. Miss Stewart spoke on the Blanket Amendment. Interest being expressed in the new narcotic drug act, Mrs. Yost agreed to send a summary of the provisions of the act. This summary is appended to the minutes. Mrs. Park read the following letter which greatly interested the members of the committee. The secretary was asked to prepare the material asked for in the letter. "4, St. James' Square, S.W.1. 16th of May, 1922. "Dear Mrs. Park: I have just been having a long talk with Mrs. Stanley, McCormick about Lady Astor's visit to America, and especially to the Women's Convention at Baltimore, and she has suggested that I might write to you for some information which I am very anxious to obtain in connection with it. -4- As you probably know, Lady Astor is President and Chairman of the Consultative Committee of Women's Organizations over here, which corresponds very closely in its functions and its constitution to the General Legislative Committee in Washington, of which you are Chairman. I am trying to arrange that Lady Astor shall give a report to the Baltimore Convention to the Consultative Committee on June 5th, but I feel quite sure - and my impression is confirmed by what Mrs. McCormick tells me - that Lady Astor will have had little or no opportunity of collecting detailed information herself about many sides of the women's movement in America, including the work of your Committee in Washington. The position of the Consultative Committee here in England is at present somewhat uncertain, partly on account of the difficulty of raising funds, and I feel sure that nothing would be so encouraging to the Committee, or so likely to make them decide to continue their work, than a report of how a similar body of women in America are doing the same kind of thing. Mrs. McCormick tells me that your Committee is purposely kept out of the public eye and on an informal basis, so that possibly you have no printed report of its activities; but if you could possibly send me any notes on how it is constituted, what sort of organizations it represents, how it influences Congress, what provision it makes in case of nonagreement, what subjects have been dealt with in this joint manner, I should be more than grateful. I hope this is not asking too much when you must be very busy and when the notice is so short. Yours sincerely, (Signed) Miss, Hilda Matheson Political Secretary." After discussion, Miss Hafford moved that the next meeting be a picnic to be held on June 16th the details left to a committee. The mission was carried. Miss Hafford also moved that the decision as to time and place be left to a committee of which Miss Van Hosen should be chairman. The notion was carried. Mrs. Morgan moved that we adjourn at 12:20. NOTICE. The next meeting of the Women's Joint Congressional Committee will be shpicnic on Friday June 16th at 4:30. This is to be an executive session as it is probably the last meeting before the summer recess so the delegates and alternates are especially requested to be present. Please R.S.V.P. to Mrs. Watkins as it will be necessary to arrange for FOOD, which will be purchased by the sub-committee and each person pays her pre rata. It will not be necessary to worry about preparing anything. In order to reach the picnic grounds take a Chevy Chase or Chevy Chase Lake car (14th Street line). Leave car at Chevy Chase Circle. Will leave Chevy Chase Circle not later than 4:15. All of those who can do so meet at the National League of Women Voters not later than 3:30 and Miss Marian Parkhurst will take you to our rendezvous. MARIAN I. PARKHURST Chairman Picnic Committee. -5- Report of the Look-Out Committee Washington, D.C. May 29,1922. 1. The Jones (S.206) __Miller (H.R.2193) Bill. To prevent the importation of narcotics. Has now become the "Anti-Drug Act." This bill was passed by the House May 4th and the Senate May 11th and was signed by the President and is now an Act. 2. Child Labor (a) The Federal Child Labor Tax Law. was held invalid by the United States Supreme Court, in a decision rendered May 15. This law imposed an excise tax of 10 per cent upon the annual net profits of mills, canneries, factories, workshops and other manufacturing establishments, mines, and quarries employing child labor contrary to specified age and hour standards. The opinion of the Court was read by Chief Justice Taft. Mr. Justice Clarke dissented. The Court held that the case before it could not be distinguished from that of Hammer v. Dagenhart, Congress there enacted a law to prohibit transportation in interstate commerce of goods made at a factory in which there was employment of children within the same ages and for the same number of hours a day and days a week as are penalized by the act in this case. The Court held the law in that case to be void and stated that the necessary effect of the act was, by means of a prohibition against the movement in interstate commerce of ordinary commercial commodities, to regulate the hours of labor of children in factories and mines within the States, a purely State authority. In the present case, the opinion states that "Congress in the name of a tax which on the face of the act is a penalty seeks to do the same thing, and the effort must be equally futile. The analogy of the Dagenhart case is clear. The congressional power over interstate commerce is, within its proper scope, just as complete and unlimited as the congressional power to tax, and the legislative motive in its exercise is just as free from judicial suspicion and inquiry. As the former law was held to be not in fact regulation of interstate commerce, but rather that of State concerns, and so invalid, so the so-called tax is held to be "a penalty to coerce people of a State to act as Congress wishes them to act in respect of a matter completely the business of the State Government, under the Federal Constitution." (Supreme Court of the United States, No.657, October term, 1921, J.W.Bailey and J. W. Bailey, Collector of Internal Revenue for the District of North Carolina, Plaintiff in Error, vs. The Drexel Furniture Company.) (b) Bills introduced. A joint resolution (S.J.200) proposing an amendment to the Federal Constitution giving Congress the power to regulate or prohibit throughout the United States the employment of persons under eighteen years of age, was introduced in the Senate May 19th by Senator Johnson of California. On May 17th, Representative Fitzgerald introduce in the House (H.J.3271) an amendment giving power to regulate the employment of persons under the age of eighteen years. Hearings on this bill will begin June 1st. The following bills of practically the same purpose were also introduced in the House: Rogers J.H.28 Tague H.J.240 Nolan H.J.334 Huddleston H.R.11707 Cable Bill. A new bill, H.R. 11773, its sub-title "A bill relative to the naturalization and citizenship of married women," has been introduced in the House by Mr. Cable of Ohio on May 24th. Hearings are to be held soon on this bill. It is a combination of the Curtis-Rogers bill and the direct citizenship provisions of the Johnson and Shortridge Omnibus bills. -6- The chief difference between this and the Johnson and Shortridge bills is that in it a married woman retains her citizenship as long as she remains in the United States unless she makes formal renunciation of her citizenship before a court. 3. The Filled-Milk Bill (H.R.8086) Passed House May 25th 256 to 40. Went to Agricultural Committee in Senate. 4. The 'Truth in Fabrics' Bill (H.R.64) Referred to the Committee on Interstate Commerce. No hearings have been held. 5. Lodge-Rogers Misbranding Bill (S.1882) (H.R.16) Referred to the Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce. No hearings have been held. MARY STEWART, Chairman MARIAN PARKHURST LENNA YOST MRS. MC CLINTOCK. CAPPER-FOCHT SUB-COMMITTEE. (Compulsory School Attendance) At the last meeting of the Capper-Focht Sub-Committee Mrs. Pomeroy resigned as secretary, and Mrs. Watkins was elected to serve in her place. At the suggestion of the Committee Senator Capper was again interviewed in regard to polling the Senate for this bill. Senator Capper advised against it, at this time, and suggested that Mr. Focht be requested to bring up the measure in the House, the business in the House being comparatively light at this time. An effort was made to see Mr. Focht, but he had not yet returned from his strenuous efforts to prove his nomination in the recent Pennsylvania primary election. An effort will be made to see him upon his return. MABEL CORY COSTIGAN, Chairman. TOWNER-STERLING SUB-COMMITTEE. This bill is in a state of quietude. Since the meeting on May 1, 1922, the following has been of interest: 1. On May 5, a committee from the N.E.A. visited the President of the United States. He assured the committee that he would make his report on reorganization by the middle of May. It has not been done. 2. On May 23 the President told a representative of a powerful organization that he expected to make his report within three days. It is now the 29th and the report has not been made. Mr. Reavis, Chairman of the House Reorganization Committee has resigned to assist the Attorney General in prosecuting war frauds. On resigning he stated that his main interest had been the reorganization of the Executive Departments but he had become discouraged in that matter as it did not seem probably that anything along that line would be accomplished by this Congress. The N.E.A. plan is to keep on working for the thing for which they have stood and to which so many people are committed, namely, the principles embodied in the Towner-Sterling Bill. Any compromise that would divert them from this pathway they will not accept. Any compromise that looks as though it might get them a step further on their way, they will consider. MRS. ARTHUR C. WATKINS, Chairman. - 7 - SHEPPARD-TOWNER SUB-COMMITTEE On Monday, May 22, 1922, at 4:00 o'clock the Sheppard-Towner Sub- Committee was revived to consider the emergency resulting from an adverse opinion of the Attorney General of the State of Massachusetts on the constitutionality of the Sheppard-Towner Act. The opinion advised "proceeding in equity in the Supreme Court against officials of the Federal Government who are acting or preparing to act to carry the provision of the Act into effect." The Sub-Committee requested Mrs. Watkins, acting secretary, to arrange a meeting with Solicitor General Beck whose responsibility it will be to argue the case before the United States Supreme Court, at which meeting, if granted, the members of the Committee were to offer to supply material in support of the Act and tender the assistance of eminent counsel if acceptable. The Sub- Committee also ordered that effort be made through Mrs. Pinchot to interest Senator Pepper in the case, with a view to securing his professional assistance. Because of Mr.. Beck's arrangement to sail for Europe on May 28th it proved impossible to arrange a meeting with him, but the matter was brought to his attention very satisfactorily by means of a letter from Mrs. Pinchot, and a telephone conversation between Solicitor General Beck and Senator Pepper, after Senator Pepper had a conference with Mrs. Park. Senator Pepper offered his services, which were accepted by Mr. Beck, subject to the approval of the Attorney General. Senator Pepper also agreed to be in the Supreme Court on Monday (May 29th) if he heard that the case was coming up. This is the last day upon which a request can be made to file a petition until October. No injunction can be granted until October. In a letter to Mrs. Pinchot the Solicitor General expressed his approval of the Sheppard-Towner legislation, and his opinion that the decision in the child labor case in no way applies to this case. Six states have not yet accepted the provisions of the Act. In three of these, Washington, Maine, and Louisiana, it would still be possible to secure the money for this year if the Governors would accept. The Sub-Committee requested the organizations to bring what pressure they could in these three states. The other states which so far have not accepted the provisions of the Act are New York, Rhode Island and Massachusetts. MABEL CORY COSTIGAN, Chairman. FESS-CAPPER SUB-COMMITTEE. On May 8th a delegation representing some 40 organizations interested in Physical Education visited the President to ask for his continued interest in the Bill. Those who favor this measure are not now pushing it but are trying to get the party leaders into action. The proponents of the bill are planning to begin an active campaign next fall to see if they cannot secure action then. In the next few months some 12 or 15 States will be working for state legislation on physical education. If possible, pressure should be brought to bear on these States to get the measures passed. If each organization represented on the Committee will send Mr. Caulkins a list of the State Legislative Chairmen with a list of dates of State Conventions, he will gladly send material into the States where physical education laws are being considered. MRS. ARTHUR C. WATKINS, Chairman. - 8 - PROVISIONS OF NARCOTIC DRUG ACT. Summarized by Mrs. Yost. Miller, H.R.2193. Jones, S.206 1. It defines "narcotic drug" to be opium, coca leaves, cocaine, or any salt, derivative or preparation of opium, coca leaves or cocaine. (Morphine is a derivative of opium, and cocaine is manufactured from coca leaves.) 2. It creates a Federal Narcotics Control Board consisting of the Secretary of State, the Secretary of the Treasury and the Secretary of Commerce, which Board is authorized to make all needful rules and regulations to carry into effect the authority therein vested. 3. it is made unlawful to import or bring into the United States any narcotic drug except such amount of crude opium or coca leaves as the Board finds necessary to provide for medical and legitimate uses only. 4. Any person fraudulently or knowingly who brings any narcotic drug into the United States contrary to law or assists in so doing or receives, buys, conceals, or sells or in any manner facilitates such acts, knowing such drug to have been unlawfully imported shall upon conviction be fined not more than $5,000 and imprisoned not more than 10 years. The narcotic drug is to be summarily forfeited to the United States. Any alien convicted of any of the above offences shall be deported at the termination of his imprisonment. 5. It establishes a rule of evidence that the unauthorized possession of a narcotic drug shall be deemed sufficient evidence to authorize conviction except that the master of a vessel or a person in charge of a railway car or other vehicle shall not be liable if he satisfies the jury that he had no knowledge of, and used due diligence to prevent the presence of narcotic drugs on such vessel or behicle, but the narcotic drug shall be summarily forfeited to the United States. 6. That no opium prepared for smoking shall be transported through the United States or through any territory under its control for transportation to another country or be transferred from one vessel to another in American waters under any circumstances, nor shall any other narcotic drug be so transported or transferred without the approval of the Board. 7. That it shall be unlawful for any person subject to the jurisdiction of the United States to export or cause to be exported from the United States to another country except that such country shall have ratified and become a party to the final protocol of the International Opium Convention of 1912, and then only where: (a) Such country maintains in conformity with that convention a system which Board deems adequate, or permits and licenses for the control of imports of narcotic drugs; (b) That the narcotic is consigned to an authorized permitee; - 9 - (c) That there is furnished to the Board proof deemed adequate by it that the narcotic drug is to be applied exclusively to medical and legitimate uses within the country to which exported and that it will not be re-exported from such country; (d) That there is an actual shortage of, and a demand for the narcotic drug in such country for medical and legitimate uses. 8. That the Secretary of State shall request all foreign countries through diplomatic channels to furnish copies of their laws, rules and regulations promulgated in their respective countries which prohibit or regulate the importation of any narcotic drug, in order that the Board may know what these regulations are and whether they are "adequate." 9. Any narcotic drug that is not shown on a vessels manifest or is landed from a vessel without a permit from the proper collector of customs shall be seized and forfeited to the United States and the master of such vessel held to a penalty equal to the value of such drug; such penalty shall constitute a lien on the vessel and clearance of such vessel may be withheld until such penalty is paid or a proper bond equal to double the penalty be given and approved by the collector of customs. Such penalty to be enforced by libel against the vessel and satisfied out of the vessel or the bond. Copy SHEPPARD-TOWNER SUB-COMMITTEE. November 13, 1922. A meeting of the Sheppard-Towner Sub-Committee was held at 11:00 o'clock at 632 Seventeenth Street, on Monday, November 13th. Present: Mrs. Costigan, Chairman. Mrs. Swiggett, Mrs. Watkins, Mrs Bernard, Mrs. MacClintock, Mrs. O'connor, Mrs. Abrams, Miss Ethel Smith, Mrs. Morgan, Miss Stewart, Miss Grace Abbott. The Chairman announced that as the Girls' friendly had no Washington representative at present all noticesare to be sent to Miss [Manule], 21 South 21st Street, Philadelphia. In the absence of the secretary Miss Parkhurst was appointed to take the minutes. Miss Abbott reported for the Committee on Literature that the material was ready and they had received estimates from the Columbian Printing Company at $19.50 for the first thousand and $6.75 for each additional thousand ordered at the same time as the first thousand and $7.50 for material ordered if the type had to be held. Mrs. Swiggett moved that the Committee accept the estimate of the Columbian Printing Company and that they be asked to set up the material so proof could be read, with the understanding that the organizations would give to Mrs. Abrams on or before Saturday the number of leaflets each organization would order and that Mrs. Abrams ask the printer that the material be sent to the League of Women Voters done up in packages of 500 so as to make the distribution easier. Seconded, and carried. It was suggested by Miss Abbott that while this material was excellent it needed some additional local color and that the states should get out some material with the local organizations name on it. Mrs. Costigan reported that Mrs. Webster had been in Kentucky and had a meeting with the Kentucky Bureau of Health; the Attorney General was present but the Governor was absent but was expected back on the 13th of November. She said they all expressed interest and a great desire that Kentucky should defend the suit brought by the Attorney General of Massachusetts on the Sheppard-Towner. Miss Abbott suggested that other states might come in with Kentucky as defendents. Miss Smith moved, seconded by Mrs. MacClintock, that each organization represented on the Committee should communicate with their state and field branches and suggest that they get in touch with the other organizations in the state interested in this matter as to the best way to secure their state as a defendent in the action with Kentucky. The following states were suggested: Pennsylvania, Minnesota, South Carolina, North Carolina, Maryland, Indiana, Wisconsin, Oregon, New Mexico, and Virginia. It was understood that concerted action would be much more valuable, that was why each organization was asked to get in touch with other state and local representatives so there would be some sort of a state council formed. Miss Abbott next reported on the Budget's action on the Sheppard-Towner appropriation, which she understood is out to $800,000 for the year 1923-24, making a out of $440,000 from the amount authorized on the bill. As $240,000 has to go to the states that would leave only $560,000 out of which would have to paid the additional $5,000 if the states matched, the cost of administration by the Children's Bureau and then a very small sumeleft for thepro-rata amount which would practically make it useless. -2- Miss Parkhurst moved, seconded by Miss Smith, that the Chair appoint a Committee to call on Judge Towner with Miss Abbott to talk over the situation with him. It was understood that the following people would be willing to go if called upon, as it was impossible to find out just when Judge Towner would be here and also what hour would be convenient for Miss Abbott: Mrs. Bernard, Ethel Smith, Mrs. Costigan, Miss Parkhurst, Mrs. Watkins, Mrs. Abrams, J. Lathrop, Miss Abbott. The meeting adjourned subject to call of the Chair. Minutes of the Meeting of the Women's Joint Congressional Committee. February 16, 1923. The Women's Joint Congressional Committee met at the headquarters of the National League of Women Voters on Feb. 16, 1923. At 10:40 A.M. the meeting was opened by the chairman. Present: Mrs. Park, Mrs. Yost, and Mrs. Watkins, officers; Mrs. Kelley, Mrs. Wolf, Miss Hafford, Miss Smith, Miss Stewart, Miss Sweeny, Mrs. Swiggett, and Mrs. Baker, members of the committee; Mrs. Costigan, Miss Parkhurst, Mrs. Morgan, Miss Eastman, Mrs. Abrams, and Miss Baylor, alternates; Miss James, Mrs. Webster, and Mrs. Carter as guests. Twenty with 13 organizations represented. The minutes of the January meeting were read and he suggestion made that the statement on page 2, paragraph 6, should have the world "proposed" inserted after the word "withdraw." With this change, the minutes were approved as read. The treasurer read the following report: "We began the new year with a balance of $45.13. To this has been added contributions of $10.00 each from the following organizations: Girls' Friendly Society in America; National Woman's Christian Temperance Union, National League of Women Voters, American Association of University Women, American Home Economics Association, making a total of $95.13. Out of this amount, $3.08 has been paid to the Secretary for stamps and incidentals; $24.17 to the Commercial Office Service for printing of the annual minutes; $8.25 to the Doing Printing Co. for envelopes and postcards; $1.40 to Hay Rubber Stamp Co. for pad and stamp; $1.80 to R.P. Andrews and Co., making a total for disbursements of $38.70, and leaving a balance in the treasury of $56.43. "Contributions from affiliated organizations should be sent to the Treasurer at 35 B St., N.W., Room1." Mrs. Wolf moved that the report be accepted. The motion was carried. The secretary reported that letters has been sent out asking each organization to report whether or not the Near East Bill and the Uniform Marriage and Divorce Bill had been endorsed by them. Neither Bill had been endorsed by five organizations and therefore sub-committees could not be formed to push them. Several letters from members had been answered and information had been sent to Mrs. Max Mayer of Iowa City, about the W.J.C.C. as some organizations are considering forming a Joint Legislative Committee. Mrs. Kelley read the following report of the committee on Admissions: "The Committee on Admissions of the Woman's Joint Congressional Committee met at the Washington offices of the Parent-Teacher Association on February 15th at 3 P.M. The members present were: Mrs. Florence Kelley, chairman, Mrs. Abrams, Mrs. Wolf, and Miss Sweeny acting as secretary. - 2 - It was moved by Mrs. Wolf, seconded by Miss Sweeny that the Committee on Admission recommend that the request of the National Education Association for membership on the Women's Joint Congressional Committee be granted. They are endorsing the Sterling-Towner Bill. Carried. Miss Charl Williams was designated as their representative, with Miss Agnes Winn as alternate. The meeting adjourned.' Mrs. Yost moved that the report be accepted. The motion was carried. Miss Hafford moved that the recommendation of the Committee on Admissions to admit the N.E.A. be accepted. The motion was carried. Mrs. Yost moved that the American Federation of Teachers be admitted. The motion was carried. There are now 16 member organizations. Mrs. Watkins reported for the publicity committee that following the January meeting an account had been sent to leading newspapers and that notices of this meeting had also been sent to each of the Washington papers. Mrs. Park announced that no one having volunteered to act as chairman of the Publicity Committee she should appoint Mrs. Anne Webster as chairman of that committee. Mrs. Watkins moved that a new leaflet on the Aims and Purpose of the W.J.C.C. be prepared by the Publicity Committee and that the member organizations be asked to send copies into states where there is no state Joint Legislative Committee. The motion was carried. Miss Hafford gave the following report of the Committee on Twelve Famous Women: "The Committee on Twelve Famous Women has had several meetings since the last monthly meeting, two of which have included the Advisory Committee in the call. The Committee has definitely decided upon eleven names, the twelfth having to be taken from the list because of foreign birth. Several names are under consideration and the Committee hopes to make its final report very soon." Mrs. Yost moved that the report be accepted. The motion was carried. Mrs. Park stated that she is now receiving all minutes of the meetings of the English Consultative Committee which is much like the W.J.C.C. Miss Parkhurst and Mrs. Park then gave a resume of the - 3 - last minutes received. Mrs. Kelley moved that we send the minutes of our meetings to the English committee. The motion was carried. Mrs. Yost reported for the Lookout Committee on the Bill for a Federal Prison for Women. Miss Eastman reported for the Lookout Committee that the Uniform Marriage and Divorce Bill has been introduced and referred to committee. Mrs. Morgan reported for the Lookout Committee on the Teachers Salary Bill. The sub-committees then reported and the reports are appended to these minutes: Mrs. Park and Miss Parkhurst reported for the Maternity and Infancy sub-committee. Report appended. Miss Hafford moved that the W.J.C. C. request members of this sub-committee having additional information on the States in connection with this measure, send it promptly to the chairman of the committee. The motion was carried. Miss Parkhurst reported on the Children's Amendment, Miss Smith on the Sterling-Lehlback, Mrs. Watkins on Towner-Sterling, Miss Sweeny on Fess-Kenyon Home Economics, Mrs. Webster on Interdepartmental Social Hygiene Board, and Miss Smith on the Industrial Appropriations. Miss Hafford moved that the next meeting of the W.J.C.C. be held on Monday, March 12, at 10:30 A.M. The motion was carried. Mrs. Yost moved that we meet next time with the National Congress of Mothers and Parent-Teacher Associations. The motion was carried. Mrs. Kelley moved that we adjourn at 12:15. Florence V. Watkins, Secretary for the Committee. SUB-COMMITTEE REPORTS - - - - - - - - - - - Towner-Sterling. As you all know the report of Mr. Brown has gone to the Reorganization committee with a strong note from the President. This committee is to meet at 10 this morning in Senator Smoot's office. Nothing probably will be done this session. The educational forces feel much has been accomplished in having recommended the creation of a new department of Education and Welfare. They have some assurance that the reorganization plan will be passed next session. - 4 - Interdepartmental Social Hygiene Board. The Kahn Jones Bill (S. 3544) (H.R.11490) was favorably reported by the Senate Judiciary Committee on January 23rd and by the House Judiciary Committee February 21st. The only amendment was the change of date of fiscal year from 1923 to 1924, made by both committees The bill was on the calendar February 12th. Senator Walsh of Montana offered an amendment striking out the word "independently" applying to the activities of agents, which was adopted. In amended form the bill was objected to by Senator Stanley. Senator King reserved the right to object. Industrial Home for Federal Women Prisoners. The bills, Goodykoontz H.R. 13927, Curtis S. 4452, to transfer a government owned site to the Department of Justice for the development of and use for an industrial home for federal women prisoners, have been favorably reported by House and Senate Judiciary Committees. At this late hour in the session, no action can be expected in the Senate without unanimous consent, and here this is witheld by Senator Swanson, of Virginia, who states that until the House Representative from the district in which the Home would be located indicates his willingness for the bill to pass, he must object. In the House no action can be hoped for without the bill being granted a privileged place. This has been asked of the Rules Committee and it is probable that a day will be given the Judiciary committee when it can bring before the House this and other important measures for its consideration. Passage of this measure by the House will give it a different status in the Senate, and make the outlook for passage by that body more hopeful. Children's Amendment The Sub-Committee of the Judiciary composed of Senator Shortridge, Colt and Walsh reported favorably to the Senate Judiciary on Friday, February 9th, due to quorum calls and roll calls the Committee adjourned until Tuesday February 13th, when the Children's Amendment was made the special order of the day. A motion to recommit was lost by a vote of 6 to 5, and the Judiciary Committee adjourned to February 20th. At the meeting on Tuesday, February 20th, they voted to report out the amendment in this form: "The Congress shall have power concurrent with that of the several states to limit and to prohibit the labor of persons under the age of eighteen years." They ordered out this following form of amendment by a vote of seven to four. Owing to the parliamentary situation, Senator Shortridge has not yet been able to make the report to the Senate as he cannot get unanimous consent. Minutes of the Meeting of the Women’s Joint Congressional Committee, Jan. 15, 1923. The W. J. C. C. met at 1201 Sixteenth Street, N.W., the headquarters of the National Congress of Mothers and Parent-Teacher Associations, at 10:30 A.M. on Jan. 15, 1923. Present: Mrs. Park and Mrs. Watkins, officers; Mrs. Kelley, Mrs. Bernard, Mrs. Swigget, and Miss Parkhurst, members of the committee; Mrs. Costigan and Miss Eastman, alternatives; and Mrs. White, Indianapolis, Indiana, of the General Federation, Miss Sherwin, Cleveland, Ohio; Miss Hauser, Girard, Ohio, of the League of Women Voters, Miss Hurlturt of the Young Women's Christian Association, Mrs. Crutcher, Nashville, Tenn., of the N. C. M. & P. T. A., and Mrs. Willebrandt, Assistant Attorney General of the United States, as guests. A total of 14 present represented 7 organizations. Miss Parkhurst moved that the reading of the minutes of the annual meeting be omitted. The motion was carried and the Chair announced that the minutes were approved as printed. Mrs. Yost being absent, the secretary read the following report for her: Balance on hand at beginning of year $45.13 Contributions from Girls Friendly Society 10.00 Contributions from W. C. T. U. 10.00 Total receipts . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$65.13 Expended for stamps and incidental 3.08 Leaving a balance of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$62.05 Contributions from affiliated organizations should be sent to the treasurer, Mrs. Ellis A. Yost, Hotel Driscoll, Washington, D. C., as soon as possible. Miss Parkhurst moved that the report be accepted. The motion was carried. The secretary reported that the application for membership on the W.J.C.C. has been received from the National Education Association following the annual meeting and had been sent at once to Mrs. Abrams. Mrs. Abrams having been quite ill had not called the committee together nor sent the application on to Mrs. Kelley. A copy of the letter was secured and given too Mrs. Kelley for the consideration of the committee. The secretary also apologized for the delay in sending out the minutes of the annual meeting. The organization which had agreed to mimeograph them had been so crowded with work that there was no possibility of getting the minutes out by the 11th. On that day the secretary secured the copy, sent it to a public office and the minutes were mimeographed and delivered in 24 hours, and posted at once to the members. If delivery was prompt, each member should have received the minutes on Saturday. The secretary asked that the organizations mimeograph the minutes in the following order: January: National League of Women Voters. February: American Association of University Women, March: American Home Economics Association, April: General Federation of Women's Clubs, May: National Congress of Mothers and Parent-Teacher Associations. - 2 - Mrs. Costigan reported for the Publicity Committee that in accordance with the motion passed at the annual meeting the committee had given to the publishers of the Women's Year Book, information concerning the W.J.C.C. for insertion in the next issue of the publication. No publicity had been sent out prior to this meeting as there was no publicity committee yet functioning. The Chair ascertained that Mrs. Bernard and Mrs. Watkins were willing to serve on the committee, but neither could not as chairman. They did consent to send out the publicity following this meeting. No one being found who was willing to act as chairman, the appointments to the committee were not completed. The chairman of the Admissions Committee stated that the committee was not ready to report as it had held no meeting. The committee on the Twelve Famous Women had not held a meeting and so had no report to make. In accordance with the announcement made at the annual meeting, Mrs. Kelley moved to amend Article III, Sect. 2, by substituting the word "action" for the word "approval." The motion was carried and Article III, Sect. 2, of the By-Laws now reads: "Upon action by the Committee on Admissions, the application shall be considered at the next following meeting of the Joint Committee." Mrs. Kelley asked unanimous consent to withdraw [Amendment?] 2, which was granted. Mrs. Willebrandt, Assistant Attorney General of the United States, spoke on the Camp Grant Reformatory Bill, H.12123, urging its imediate passage. She also discussed a bill, soon to be introduced, relative to establishing a home for federal women prisoners. A brief statement prepared by Mrs. Willebrandt is appended to these minutes for the Lookout Committee. Mrs. Costigan reported for the Sheppard-Towner sub-committee. The report is appended to these minutes. Mrs. Costigan announced that Miss Hafford now becomes chairman of this committee. Mrs. White, legislative chairman of the General Federation of Women's Clubs, presented for the Lookout Committee need for uniforms marriage and divorce laws and read an amendment to the Constitution of the United States which she is hoping to see introduced in Congress in the near future. In the absence of the chairman, Miss Smith, Miss Parkhurst gave a brief report on the Sterling-Lehlbach sub-committee. Miss Parkhurst also read the report of the Fess-Capper sub-committee chairman, Mrs. Morgan. The report is appended to these minutes. Mrs. Costigan reported on the Children's Amendment, as Miss Stewart was absent. Mrs. Costigan reported that the sub-committee on the Capper-Focht Bill had not been reorganized. One meeting had been held at which it was learned that a local committee was being formed to push this legislation. The sub-committee had sent a - 3 - letter to this local committee stating its willingness to help whenever the local committee deemed it necessary. t No reply to this letter had been received. Mrs. Watkins reported for the Towner-Sterling sub-committee. There had been one meeting at which the committee had reorganized. Mrs. Watkins was elected chairman, and the General Federation was asked to appoint its representative as chairman. There seems to be nothing to do until the Reorganization Committee reports as the Education Committee of the House refuses to report out the measure before the reorganization report is made. The report of the Interdepartmental Social Hygiene subcommittee was not received until after the meeting closed so it was not read at the meeting. It is appended to these minutes. Mrs. Kelley moved that the next meeting be held on February 16, 1923, at 10:30 A.M. The motion was carried. Mrs. Kelley moved that the next meeting be held at the headquarters of the National League of Women Voters. The motion was carried. For the Lookout Committee: Miss Hurlburt spoke on the Near East Relief Bill. The meeting adjourned at 12:25. Florence V. Watkins. Secretary. Mrs. Willebrandt's report submitted for the Lookout Committee. The Bill for the establishment of a United States Industrial Home for Women at Mount Weather, Virginia, is known as H.R.13927, and was introduced in the House on Bluemont, Virginia, on a site overlooking the valleys of both Clark and Loudon Counties. This Bill provides that the Home shall be used for the incarceration of women prisoners above the age of eighteen years, convicted of an offense against the United States, including women convicted by consular courts, sentenced to more than one year imprisonment. The inmates will be instructed in the common branches of an English education and be trained in such trade, industry or occupation as well enable them to be self-supporting when released from the institution. There will be a hearing on this Bill before the House Judiciary Committee Tuesday, January 23rd, 1923, at 10:30 A.M. Senator Curtis is going to introduce the Bill in the Senate. H.R.12123, which is known as the Camp Grant Bill, was introduced by Congressman Foster June 22, 1922. It provides for the establishment of an industrial reformatory at Camp Grant, Illinois, for men between the ages of seventeen and thirty years. The men will have the opportunity of learning a trade and will be instructed in the common branches of English education. "There is really no opposition to these Bills and we want to put them through as expeditiously as possible as we are anxious to get them through before March 4th. It would help a great deal if the women of your organization would send in letters of recommendation to their Congressmen. -4- Report of the Fess-Capper Sub-Committee. The Fess-Capper Sub-Committee has held two meetings, at the first of which the Committee was reorganized, with Mrs. Morgan representing the American Association of University Women, chairman, and Mrs. Swiggett, National Council of Women, secretary. The committee has kept in close touch with Mr. Caulkins of the National Physical Education Service of the Playgrounds Association, who has organized the support for the Fess-Capper bill, in order to take whatever steps might be possible to secure its consideration. An interview with Mr. Fess developed that he intended to call a meeting of the House Education Committee after the holidays in order to consider "which bill to report." This meeting was held Tuesday, January 9, and was preceded by a meeting of the Fess-Capper Sub-Committee, which took the usual steps for communicating with the House Committee members both in person and by letter from the separate organizations. In spite of what had seemed a somewhat hopeful attitude on the part of Mr. Fess, the Committee decided unanimously to take no action whatever, and gave as the reasons therefor, first, that it had been advised that the President was about ready to send in a report on the reorganization, and second, that there was a disposition on the part of Congress to enact no legislation at this session that involved either appropriations or federal aid. In view of this action there seems to be very little hope for the Bill at this session unless the President can be induced to take some interest in it. On the question of the sections in the bill which have been under criticism, after consultation with Miss Abbott the sub-committee voted to ask for the elimination of sections 9 and 10, with other minor changes to make the Bill consistent and a letter was sent to Mr. Caulkins and to the House Committee on Education stating the reasons for this elimination. The statement is appended to this report. Six of the organizations represented on the sub-committee concurred in this action, which was unanimous on the part of those present. Reasons for Suggested Amendments to Fess-Capper Physical Education Bill (H.R.22 - S.416) "The Committee believes that the administration of a program of physical education is primarily an education function. We believe, therefore, that the authority for the administration of the Act and appropriations for the administration should be made exclusively to the Bureau of Education. "It is recognized that the broad program of physical education, including health training and supervision of children of school age, makes it advisable that the Bureau of Education should have the advantage of the co-operation and assistance of any and all agencies of the Government which are now or in the future may be qualified to render such assistance. The Committee believes that Section 7 covers adequately the question of co-operation of the Bureau of Education with the other Governmental agencies. Section 7 reads as follows: "That it shall be the duty of the Commissioner of Education, through the Division of Physical Education, to co-operate with such bureaus and agencies of the Federal Government as may have relations with the physical education of children of school age." "Since there are several bureaus or division of the Government now working along lines closely related to the broad program of physical education, the Committee believes that the Bureau of Education should not be restricted in its choice of such cooperative agency. The Committee, therefore, recommends the elimination of Sections 9 and 10 and other minor changes in phraseology necessary to bring the entire Act in harmony with these eliminations." -5- Sheppard-Towner Sub-Committee. Two meetings of the Maternity and Infancy committee have been held since the annual meeting on December 4th. At the meeting on December 6th, it was decided to make no further attempt to secure the assistance of Senator Pepper in the argument against the injunction brought by Massachusetts in the Supreme Court. It was ordered that requests should be sent not only to the Attorneys General of the States invited by the Attorney General of Kentucky to appear in the case, but to as many other States as possible. States particularly mentioned were, Oregon, New Hampshire, South Carolina, Mississippi, Colorado, Alabama, Pennsylvania, Indiana, and Wisconsin. A second meeting was held on December 11th at which a report was received that the House Appropriation Committee would report the entire amount authorized by the Maternity and Infancy Bill. Subsequently the full appropriation passed both Houses. On January 2nd Solicitor General Beck in the Supreme Court moved to dismiss the injunction brought by the State of Massachusetts. Evidently the motion was not granted and the case has been set for argument on January 22nd. In the meantime, a suit for an injunction to prevent the carrying out of the provisions of the Act has been filed by Mrs. Harriet A. Frothingham of Boston in the District Supreme Court. Mrs. Frothingham, through her attorneys, declares that necessary taxation to make appropriation of the Act is confiscatory in nature, and a violation of the Constitution. She also alleges that the Act invades the sovereign rights of States. Interdepartmental Social Hygiene Board Bill S.3544 H.R. 11490. On account of the hearings on the charges brought against the Attorney General, it was difficult to undertake active work on the bill. The Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee advised that sentiment was strongly in favor of the Public Health Service's undertaking the administration of the Act. Activities were withheld until the Attorney General matter cleared up. Chairman Shortridge promised to report the bill on January 8. He did not do so and he has named a day this week which he will favorably report the bill. Report of the Joint Committee for Reclassification of the Civil Service. The Sterling-Lehlbach Bill, which passed the House a year ago last December, was favorably reported by the Senate Civil Service Committee last February and since that time has been before sub-committee of the Senate Appropriations Committee and is still under discussion in the latter. Efforts by all organizations concerned to get the bill reported have thus far been in vain, but it is now expected that results will at last appear. Attempts to resolve the differences between the Smoot Bill and the Sterling-Lehlbach Bill are being made and Senator Sterling thinks that the Sub-Committee will eventually report in time for action at the present session. - 6 - Report of Committee of Industrial Appropriations. Two of the appropriations with which this Committee is concerned, namely for the Women's Bureau and the Children's Bureau, were provided for in the Labor Department Appropriation which passed in December. The Budget Bureau reported an appropriation of $105,000 for the Women's Bureau instead of the $100,000 which had been granted last year, and this was adopted by both Houses without objection and without change in the salary restriction provision which had been liberalized the year before. The Budget Bureau recommended a cut of $440,000 in the Sheppard-Towner appropriation, but Congress restored the full amount authorized in the Sheppard- Towner Act and granted also the regular appropriation of the Children's Bureau. The appropriation for the Minimum Wage Board of the District of Columbia, reported at the usual $5,000 by the Budget Bureau, was cut by the House Appropriations Committee to $2,000 pending the decision of the Supreme Court as to the constitutionality of the Minimum Wage Law. The bill passed the House in this form, but the Senate Appropriations Committee has removed the proviso, thus restoring the appropriation to $5,000. The Senate will doubtless pass the bill in the form reported by the Committee, and the conferees will be urged by members of this committee to adopt the Senate figure, especially in view of the fact that the Supreme Court has advanced thehearing in the case to February 26th and will probably render its decision before the end of the currentfiscal year. M I N U T E S of the CONFERENCE CALLED BY THE NATIONAL COUNCIL FOR THE PREVENTION OF WAR TO STRENGTHEN THE MOVEMENT TOWARD WORLD PEACE, February 21, 1923. The meeting was called to order at 1:25 by Mr. Frederick J. Libby who stated the purpose of the meeting and read a list of those who had accepted the invitation to attend and of those who had sent regrets. The following were present: Dr. Edward Cummings, Dr. John A. Ryan, Mrs. Maud Wood Park, Frederick J. Libby, Mr. Charles A. Lyman, Harold Evans, Miss Margaret Alexander, Mrs. Ellis Yost, Mrs. A. C. Watkins, Mr. and Mrs. Edward Keating, Mr. Robert Fechner, Mrs. Elizabeth Wilson, Mrs. Edward Costigan, Miss Amy Woods, Miss Edith Smith, Miss Cook, Mrs. Lucia Ames Mead, Miss Adele Clark, Mrs. Alexander Wolf, Mrs. Laura Williams, Dr. E. C. Watson, Dr. A. Edward Janney, Mrs. Helen Hoy Greeley, Miss Margaret Maule, Mrs. Gifford Pinchot, Mr. Benjamin Marsh, Miss Frances Crosby, Mrs. Kate T. Abrams, Mrs. Raymond B. Morgan, Mrs. Florence Brewer Boeckel, Mr. S. E. Nicholson . Mrs. Park moved that Dr. Ryan be made chairman of the meeting. The motion was carried. Mrs. Watkins moved that Dr. Cummings be made vice-chairman. The motion was carried. Mrs. Costigan moved that Mrs. Watkins be made secretary. The motion was carried. The enclosed agenda was then presented. After discussion, Dr. Watson moved that a report of each organization represented present briefly the attitude of the organization as to the points of the agenda. "a" to "g". The motion was carried. When Dr. Watson spoke to the question, he presented the following which is self explanatory: Action of the Administrative Committee of the Federal Council of Churches of Christ in America in Session February 8, 1923, in the revised form they read as follows: "The Administrative Committee of the Federal Council of Churches of Christ in America believes that it is voicing the moral judgment of the overwhelming majority of thoughtful Christian people in making the following declaration: "First: we believe that the United States should accept its full share of responsibility for bringing about an effective settlement of international problems. There are those who think the Government has a mandate from the people to pursue a policy of aloofness. We do not thus understand the situation. The Churches have declared and most declare again, their conviction that generous cooperation among the nations is absolutely necessary to cope with the present hunger, strife, uncertainty and despair of the world. The participation of the United States is indispensable to successful cooperative action. An attitude of aloofness exposes our foreign policy to the charge of timidity and ineffectiveness. The present crisis in Europe summons us not to pass judgment on other peoples but in a spirit of humility and self-examination to review our own attitude as a nation and to ask ourselves how we may, by cooperation with other nations, help to meet the overwhelming responsibility which rests upon the entire world. -2- "Second: we believe that the United States should take the initiative in calling an international conference to consider the whole economic and political situation in Europe, including reparations, debts and armament in the endeavor to accomplish in Europe a result comparable to that which was achieved by the Four-Power Pact in the Far East. We welcome the suggestion of President Harding in his message to Congress on December 8, when in referring to that agreement he said: 'It might be made a model for like assurances wherever in the world any common interests are concerned.... We believe in the value of conferences and consultation, in the effectiveness of leaders of nations looking each other in the face.' "In calling such a conference we believe that the United States should make it known, as it did at the opening of the Conference on the Reduction of Armament, that we are ready to make, in common with other nations, whatever concessions, financial or otherwise, may be necessary to bring about an ordered international life. We are convinced that a sacrificial spirit on our part would evoke a willingness in other nations also to make the adjustments that may be needed. Our plans for reconstruction should include not only allies but our former enemies. Bankers, economists and business men are telling us that only the reestablishment of normal economic conditions in Europe can bring prosperity to American agriculture and industry. What they declare necessary on the basis of enlightened self-interest, we declare necessary also from the standpoint of the Christian ideal brotherhood. The well-being of our own nation is inseparably bound up with the unselfish consideration of the well-being of the other nations of the world. "Third: we believe that our Government will not be true to its ideals unless it records a definite protest against any settlement of the Near Eastern question on a basis of expediency of commercial advantage, and without some amends for tragic wrongs which have resulted in the persecution and practical destruction of the Armenian people and the confiscation of their property. For the good of all nations wrong must be righted, or a nemesis is sure to follow. We would urge that in any further conference on Near East problems our Government should give full power to its delegates in all matter in which the rights of humanity are at stake, and should share with the Allied Powers the responsibility for reaching conclusions based upon righteousness and justice. If the Lausanne Conference is not renewed, we believe that our Government should cooperate and, if necessary, take the initiative in the appointment of an international commission which would deal with the whole subject of the refugee and orphan problem in the Near East, and that it should offer to bear its share in providing whatever may be necessary financially to establish these people in some place of safety and opportunity." The Chair asked if there was anyone present who would answer any part of the agenda under No. 2 in the negative. There being none, Mrs. Park moved that it is the sense of this meeting that the first point is generally acceptable to those present. The motion was carried. Mr. Nicholson moved that an answer to "b" is affirmative. The motion was carried. Dr. Cummings moved that "c" read, "Do we agree in supporting America's participation in the Permanent Court of International Justice at The Hague," and that it be answered in the affirmative. The motion was carried. Dr. Cummings moved that our answer to "d" is affirmative. The motion was carried. After discussion, Mrs. Park moved that a committee be appointed to sit between sessions to endeavor to find other phraseology for "e" and "f" to be submitted to the afternoon session. The motion was carried. -3- Mrs. Greeley moved that the sense of this meeting be expressed as against naval and military expansion as described by Mr. Libby. The motion was carried. Mrs. Wolf moved that when the committee reports this afternoon it will do so as merely recommending the resolutions as reported for the action of the organizations represented here. The motion was carried. Dr. Watson moved that we approve the participation of the United States government in the existing international humanitarian agencies. The motion was carried. Mrs. Park moved that the United States government be urged to continue its efforts to find a constructive plan for the promotion of international peace. The motion was carried. Mrs. Park moved that the Chair appoint a committee of three to consider the resolutions to be reported when we reassemble at 2:30. The motion was carried. The Chair appointed Miss Smith, Mrs. Mead and Mr. Lyman. Mrs. Mead being unable to remain, Mrs. Wolf took her place. The morning session adjourned at 12:45. The afternoon session opened at 2:40. Dr. Ryan, the chairman, being absent, Dr. Cummings, the vice-chairman, presided. Mr. Evans moved that the reading of the minutes of the morning session be dispensed with. The motion was carried. Mrs. Park moved that we hear the report of the committee appointed to reword "e" and "f". The following report was read by the chairman, Miss Smith: Resolved, That we, members of the National Council for Prevention of War, believe that only by concerted action based on a platform of mutual, fundamental agreement, can the peace movement be made effective, do hereby recommend to our affiliated organizations the adoption of the following resolutions: 1. We agree that a policy of aloofness or isolation is undesirable from the standpoint of world peace. 2. We agree that world peace will require world organization in some form. 3. We agree in supporting America's participation in the Permanent Court of International Justice at The Hague. 4. We agree that worldwide reduction of armaments is necessary both from the standpoint of peace and from the standpoint of the heavy financial burden that present armaments place upon every country. 5. Pending effective world organization for prevention of war, we unite in opposing increases in expenditures for the Army and Navy. 6. Because we believe the peoples of the world are rapidly working toward a common purpose to make wars impossible, we unite in opposing universal military training. 7. We approve participation by the United States government in the existing international humanitarian agencies. *8. That each political party be asked to pledge itself to some specific plan for the promotion of international peace. 9. That the United States government be asked to establish a Commission for the study of the causes of war and measures for its prevention. * Suggested alternative to "8"- That each political party be asked to develop through a commission of experts, a specific plan for the promotion of international peace. -4- Mrs. Wolf moved that the report be accepted, the committee discharged, and the report taken up article by article. The motion was carried. Mrs. Wolf moved that the preamble be changed to read: "Resolved, That we, members of the Conference called by the National Council for Prevention of War to strengthen the movement toward world peace, believe that only by concerted action based on a platform of mutual, fundamental agreement can the peace of the world be made effective. We, therefore, recommend to the organizations interested in peace the adoption, as a minimum, of the substance of the following resolutions": The motion was carried. Dr. Watson moved that "1" read, "That a policy of national aloofness or isolation is undesirable from the standpoint of world peace." The motion was carried. Mrs. Wilson moved that "2" read, "That world peace will require world organization in some form." The motion was carried. Mrs. Park moved that "3" read, "That we advocate the participation of the United States in the Permanent Court of International Justice at The Hague." The motion was carried. Mrs. Park moved that "4" read as stated except that we omit the words "we agree". "That worldwide reduction of armaments is necessary both from the standpoint of peace and from the standpoint of the heavy financial burden that present armaments place upon every county." The motion was carried. Mr. Libby moved that "5" read, "That in anticipation of effective world organizations for prevention of war, we oppose increases in expenditures for the army and navy." The motion was carried. Mr. Keating moved that "6" read, "That in view of the same and other considerations, we oppose compulsory military training and fostering the military spirit in our schools and colleges. The motion was carried. Article 7 was approved so as to read: "That we approve participation by the United States in the existing international humanitarian agencies. Article 8 and 9 were discussed at great length and after numerous motions had been made and reconsidered or withdrawn in the interest of unanimity. Mr. Keating moved to strike out "8" and its alternative and article "9". The motion was carried. A motion was made and carried that when we adjourn this afternoon it is to meet again at 7:30. After discussion, Mrs. Park moved that Dr. Cummings, Mr. Libby and Mr. Evans be appointed a committee to arrange for a meeting of delegates from the various organizations primarily interested in peace to decide upon a program for cooperation. The motion was carried. Mr. Nicholson suggested that it may be possible to arrange for an annual conference of the representatives of those organizations primarily interested in peace with a view to an interchange of thought and the formulation of suggestions for future cooperation. The session adjourned at 5:28. Reassembled at 7:40. The minutes of the preceding sessions were read, corrected and adopted. After discussion, Mrs. Park moved that Mr. Libby, representing the central body, take steps to secure the adoption by the organizations represented, pf resolutions embodying at least the minimum adopted by this Conference. The motion was carried. -5- A discussion then ensued on the desirability of the National Council for Prevention of War compiling a list of the current peace publications for the use of those desiring such a list. Miss Woods moved that each affiliated organization send to the National Council for Prevention of War each month 40 copies of everything published by them and specifically concerned with international peace. The motion was carried. Mr. Evans moved that member and participating organizations of the National Council for Prevention of War be requested to exchange through the office of the Council, advance information in regard to any campaign of meetings on international relations scheduled under their auspices. The motion was carried. As a means of educating the people of the country, it was suggested that study meetings or round tables be held devoted to a consideration of international problems. After a further discussion of the various steps which may be taken jointly by organizations working for peace along the lines of education and cooperation, section 4 of the agenda was discussed. Mr. Libby moved that we take action expressing our extreme interest in the World Conference of Educators to be held in Oakland, California, June 26 to July 4, 1923. The motion was carried. Mr. Nicholson moved that we suggest to various organizations the writing of a friendly letter to Secretary of State Hughes expressing interest in the Pan-American Conference and the hope that such action may be taken as will bind the American countries together more surely upon the basis of permanent peace. The motion was carried. Mrs. Greeley moved that this meeting indorse the Borah resolution for the outlawry of war, and urge other organizations to pass resolutions in support of it. Mrs. Park moved to amend the motion by striking out the words "Borah resolution", and substituting, "that we approve calling a conference for the outlawry of war and that we recommend that other organizations interested in peace express their approval." The motion was carried. Mrs. Boeckel moved that representative of groups such as farm, labor and educators should meet to consider what facts and arguments should be compiled and distributed in order to enlist the active support of the several groups in the peace movement. The motion was carried. The meeting adjourned at 10:20. Florence V. Watkins, Secretary of the Conference. AGENDA Conference February 21, 1923 Rooms of the National League of Women Voters 532 Seventeenth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 1. Choice of Chairman, Vice-Chairman and Secretary. 2. Discussion of points of agreement:- (a) Do we agree that a policy of aloofness or isolation is undesirable from the standpoint of permanent world peace? (b) Do we agree that world peace will require world organization of some form? (c) Do we agree in supporting America's participation in the World Court at The Hague? (d) Do we agree that world-wide reduction of armaments is necessary both from the standpoint of peace and from the standpoint of the heavy financial burden that present armaments place upon every country, including our own? (e) Do we agree that, pending effective world organization for the prevention of war, the United States should avoid policy of naval and military expansion? (f) Do we unite in opposition to universal military training? (g) Further points. 3. Discussion of joint action to be taken to secure the adoption by our government in common with other governments of effective measures for assuring the peace of the world:- (a) Should the United States government be asked to propose some constructive plan to promote international peace? (b) Should the United States government establish a Bureau for the study of the causes of war and the measures for its prevention? (c) Is General O'Ryan's proposed "Peace Survey Corporation" practicable? (d) What steps can organizations working for peace take jointly along the lines of (i) Education (ii) Cooperation (iii) Division of Labor (iv) Legislative Action 4. Discussion of joint attitude toward (a) World Conference of Educators, Oakland, California, June 26-July 4. (b) Pan- American Conference, Santiago, Chile, opening March 25. (c) Suggested economic conference on European rehabilitation. (d) Proposed disarmament conference. (e) Proposed conference for the outlawry of war. (f) Other measures. [?] AGENDA NATIONAL COUNCIL FOR PREVENTION OF WAR Meeting March 22, 1923 - 10:30 A.M. Purpose: "To consider specific plans for increasing cooperation and division of labor among the organizations in the interest of efficiency and to consider important change suggested with regard to organization." I. Changes in organization proposed in the interest of heartier cooperation. 1. That the Council function as a clearinghouse. 2. That the executive board be regarded as an executive committee only, carrying out the decisions of the Council and without power to initiate policies. 3. That meetings of the Council be held at fixed dates, not more than six times a year, unless an extraordinary situation demands a special meeting. 4. That the national office, with regard to legislative action deal with the affiliated organizations separately according to their several methods of action on national legislation. 5. That the National Council for Prevention of War publicly and officially support specific measures only when they have been formally endorsed by all of the responsible representatives of participating organizations acting in an official capacity. 6. That the formation of state and local branches of the National Council cease. II. Specific plans for increasing cooperation and division of labor in the interest of efficiency. 1. Official Policies (a) How many of the points endorsed at the recent conference (see appended report) have been officially endorsed by the groups that compose the National Council for Prevention of War? (b) What points, if any, can now be regarded as constituting our common platform? 2. Specific methods for furthering the program agreed upon. (a) Methods already in use. (b) Additional proposals. (c) Dates for Council meetings. 3. Finance. (a) Report (b) Plans 4. Unfinished business. SUMMARY of POINTS AGREED UPON AT A CONFERENCE HELD IN WASHINGTON CITY, February 31, 1923. An all-day conference called by the National Council for Prevention of War and participated in by leading officials and members of organizations interested in a practical movement to bring about by lawful means, the eradication of war, was held in Washington City on February 21, 1923. The following points represent the unanimous agreement of those present and are submitted in the following form to your organizations and others with the suggestion that they be given consideration and, if approved, that they represent your minimum program of action on the various subjects. Please report whatever action may be taken by your organization to the National Council for Prevention of War, 532 Seventeenth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. RESOLVED, That we, members of the Conference called by the National Council for Prevention of War to strengthen the movement toward world peace, believe that only by concerted action based on a platform of mutual, fundamental agreement can the peace of the world be made effective. We, therefore, recommend to the organizations interested in peace, the adoption as a minimum of the substance of the following resolutions: 1. That a policy of national aloofness or isolation is undesirable from the standpoint of world peace. 2. That world peace will require world organization in some form. 3. That we advocate the participation of the United States in the Permanent Court of International Justice at The Hague. 4. That world-wide reduction of armaments is necessary, both from the standpoint of peace and from the standpoint of the heavy financial burden that present armaments place upon every country. 5. That in anticipation of effective world organization for prevention of war, we oppose increases in expenditures for the Army and Navy. 6. That in view of the same and other consideration, we oppose compulsory military training and the fostering of the military spirit in our schools and colleges. 7. That we approve participation by the United States government in existing international humanitarian agencies. 8. That we express our extreme interest in the World Conference of Educators to be held in Oakland, California, June 26th to July 4th, 1923. 9. That we suggest to the various organizations the writing of a friendly letter to Secretary Hughes of the State Department, expressing interest in the Pan-American Conference to be held at Santiago, Chile, beginning March 25, 1923, expressing the hope that such action may be taken at the Conference as will bind the American countries together more surely upon the basis of permanent peace. 10. That we approve calling a Conference of Nations for the outlawry of war and that we recommend that other organizations interested in peace express their approval. -2- Other Action Taken After considerable discussion, Dr. Edward Cummings of Boston, Frederick J. Libby, of Washington City and Harold Evans of Philadelphia were appointed a Committee to arrange for a larger conference of delegates representing the various organizations primarily interested in peace to give consideration to the question of a program for larger cooperation. Request was made that each affiliated organization send to the National Council for Prevention of War each month, 40 copies of every publication issued by them specifically concerned with international peace. It was moved that member and participating organizations of the National Council for Prevention of War be requested to exchange through the office of the Council, advance information in regard to their campaign of meetings on international relations scheduled under their auspices. It was suggested that study or round table meetings be held by local branches of the various organizations which shall be devoted to a consideration of international problems. It was moved that representatives of groups, such as farm, labor and educators should meet to consider what facts and arguments should be compiled and distributed in order to enlist the active support of the several groups in the peace movement. Florence V. Watkins Secretary of the Conference. PLAN "A" Object: To work for the prevention of war by such means as will appeal to all the organizations now participating in the National Council. The work shall be (a) Educational (b) Organizational (c) Legislative. To carry on the educational work there will be an Educational Committee widely representative of the participating organizations but not too large for effective business. This Committee shall direct by unanimous vote what work the Executive Secretary shall do along educational lines. The National Council shall not organize state or local committees, neither shall state or local committees be organized as branches of the National Council. Local committees, however, may be formed under the title of "Conference Committees" or otherwise to group together such local organizations as are interested in whatever common program can be worked out. The National Council will not be responsible for the local committees nor the local committees to the National Council. There shall be a Legislative Committee which shall set on all legislative matters by unanimous vote of all participating organizations. PLAN "B" Object: The prevention of war by such means as will hold together the largest number of organizations and individuals consistent with aggressive action. The National Council shall consist of such organizations as subscribe to this plan whose names shall be on the letterhead, and of such individuals who are in sympathy with the plan. The names of those individuals whose distinction or affiliations will lend prestige to the movement to be on the letterhead under the title, perhaps, of Vice-Presidents. At stated intervals, the Council shall meet and by majority vote outline the policies to be carried on by the Executive Secretary. He will be guided by these policies. Where they do not cover emergencies or other opportunities for useful activity, he will be governed by his own discretion. Under this arrangement, the legislative, educational and organizational work of the Council will be carried on. The Council may organiza state or local councils which may incorporate the name of the National Council. Peace Transcribed and reviewed by contributors participating in the By The People project at crowd.loc.gov.