NAWSA Subject File CONN. WOMAN SUFFRAGE Assoc.- Corresp. [*Miss Davidson*] MINUTES OF THE EXECUTIVE BOARD MEETING. The regular monthly meeting of the Executive Board of the Connecticut Woman Suffrage Association was called to order, on July 17th by Miss Ludington in her delightful home in Old Lyme. The minutes of the last meeting were approved as written. Treasurer's Report. The Treasurer's report was made by Miss Washburn, showing a balance on hand of $425.11. The report was accepted and approved. The report was accepted and approved. The receipts for the Over Seas Hospital are not all in so therefore were not incorporated in this report. Headquarters Report. Miss Parshall's report showed a busy month. All the multi-graphing work is now being done at headquarters, resulting in the saving of about $40.00 in the past month. There has been circularization of the entire political machine of both parties (b) and to the catholic clergy. Information regarding the Signature Drive was sent to each political worker in the state. 500 copies each of "Not at Home" and "Suffrage is Here" was sent to each Senatorial District Leader for distribution among the canvassers in the signature drive. Up to date 1200 signatures have been received at headquarters. Each political worker has been provided with complete "Plans for Ratification." Press Report. In the absence of Mrs. Vorhorst the press report was made by Miss Parshall. She reported that the Bulletin Committee decided in favor of enlarging the Bulletin a trifle, but not to issue it semi-monthly, and recommended that the matter of subscriptions be left for the annual meeting, as this would mean the setting aside of a specified sum out of the annual dues in order to comply with postal regulations. Because of the fact that newspapers are no longer sent free to press clipping bureaus, and these bureaus only subscribe to the larger papers, we are unable to get items from the smaller papers, therefore no report could be made on just how much of the material sent out has been used. It was mentioned that the Pictorial Review has asked Mrs. Vorhorst for several small articles on the suffrage situation to appear in the November number. just before the fall elections, which would necessitate a two weeks' vacation for the Press Secretary, which was commented on very favorably by Miss Ludington. The reports of the County Chairmen and organizers then followed. -2- Hartford County. Miss Bulkley not present. The Report was made by Miss Hinaman, our new Hartford County organizer. The essential part of the political work was the carrying out of the ratification plans. One of the most important event was the Gardent Fete for the Over Seas Hospital which netted $1085, credit going to Mrs. Schoonmaker and Miss Bulkley for the great success of the affair. June 20 and 21 Misses Bulkley and Hinaman distributed literature at the Plainville Fair and secured a few signatures. On the fourth of July with Mrs. Costello acting as Chairman of the Declaration committee a very attractive suffrage float was in the line of march of the independent state parade. The signature campaign occupied much time during the month and with the help of Miss Donavan for a month it is hoped to get this drive well underway in Hartford. Middlesex County. Miss Webster reported that Miss Gleaton had spent much time before leaving interviewing men. Miss Webster interviewed two Democratic Delegates both were indifferent. There were 117 names enrolled in the 34th district. New London County. Miss Willis Austin reported from New London County that the news rather meager but good of its kind. About $200 has been cleared for the Over Seas Fund by moving picture in the New London Theater. Also New London is to have a meeting soon to decide on a woman candidate for the School Board. Norwich has been able to pay $150 on its State's Pledge but the Over Seas quota has not yet been raised. Little in the district is being done in the signature campaign, but Baltic reports 225 signatures. Windham and Tolland County. A very interesting report of these two counties was made by Mrs. Kitchelt. About 971 signatures has been sent in since April 1st. There were 35 letters sent out by Mrs. Kitchelt, written at Headquarters, to her workers pushing 419 men in one ward 376 women enrolled from that ward Very good work is being done in Rockville where the women citizen has been subscribed to for the Public Library, and the Librarian is putting suffrage leaflets on the Bulletin Board. New Haven County. Report made by Mrs. Townshend showed that an excellent political organization is at work there, the signature campaign is going forward rapidly. Mrs. Townshend modestly gave Mrs. McDermott the majority of the credit with a well managed and organized New Haven County. They are trying out a different political -3- plan of organization calling it a political committee and we are giving publicity to the political work. Fairfield County. Miss Ruutz-Rees said 700 names had been secured in Fairfield County. She said Fairfield County needed stirring up. Miss Jones has done some interesting work in Bridgeport with the active and enthusiastic help of Mrs. Kingsbury. Litchfield County. Mrs. Taylor reported that many interviews had been held with all delegates of both Democratic and Republican Parties. During the month 300 names have been secured bringing the total number up to 1600. Every section of the party is covered and blanks have been put in the hands of the suffragists and meetings have been arranged in 26 towns where Mrs. Taylor will address them personally in the next three weeks. Torrington has paid its State and National Pledge and has donated $10.00 to the Over Seas Hospital Fund. Citizenship Work. Mrs. Schoonmaker reported giving one week's time to the Council of Defense and speaking for the Thrift Stamp Drive, she spent that week in New London County making Norwich her headquarters. Though pledged not to speak on suffrage she found many anxious to talk with their interest and believe in suffrage. While in Norwich she found that Mrs. Turrell was favorable to the idea of a course in Citizenship in the Norwich Academy and asked to take up the matter with the teacher of Civics. Mrs. Schoonmaker is in correspondence also with Miss Walker, Simsbury, with the Loomis Institute Miss Stores, Fairfield County Leagues and Clubs regarding work next fall. She is to give the course in South Norwalk in August. In Ridgefield, Newtown, Bethel, Redding, and Riverside they are trying to arrange classes. She has been engaged by the Meriden Women's Club and the Hartford Council of Jewish Women for the next fall and the Traveller's Girls' Club. State Organizer. In the absence of Miss Selden who is away on her vacation Miss Ludington reported on much interesting and faithful work done. The two conventions, the Republican first and the Democratic following were weel canvassed and the result on suffrage as analyzed by Miss Ludington showed splendid results. The net result of the action of each convention was the final passing of the unanimous vote by the Democratic Convention in favor of suffrage. While the Republican vote which was only brought to a vote in the Republican convention by the splendid work by Mr. John Robinson of Hartford showed 249 votes for suffrage and 299 against, so as the matter stands in the two major parties a unanimous vote by the Democratic and almost half of the Republican party--almost 3/4 vote in favor. Hartford County. Miss Bulkley not present. The report was made by Miss Hinaman, our new Hartford County organizer. The essential part of the political work was the carrying out of the ratification plans. One of the most important events was the Garden Fete for the Over Seas Hospital which netted $1085, credit going to Mrs. Schoonmaker and Miss Bulkley for the great success of the affair. June 20 and 21 Misses Bulkley and Hinaman distributed literature at the Plainville Fair and secured a few signatures. On the fourth of July with Mrs. Costello acting as Chairman of the Declaration committee a very attractive suffrage float was in the line of march of the independent state parade. The signature campaign occupied much time during the month and with the help of Miss Donavan for a month it is hoped to get this drive well underweigh in Hartford. Middlesex County. Miss Webster reported that Miss Gleaton had spent much time before leaving interviewing men. Miss Webster interviewed two Democratic Delegates both were indifferent. There were 117 names enrolled in the 34th district. New London County. Miss Willis Austin reported from New London County that the news rather meager but good of its kind. About $200 has been cleared for the Over Seas Fund by moving picture in the New London Theater. Also New London is to have a meeting soon to decide on a woman candidate for the School Board. Norwich has been able to pay $150 on its State's Pledge but the Over Seas quota has not yet been raised. Little in the district is being done in the signature campaign, but Baltic reports 225 signatures. Windham and Tolland County A very interesting report of these two counties was made by Mrs. Kitchelt. About 971 signatures has been sent in since April 1st. There were 35 letters sent out by Mrs. Kitchelt, written at Headquarters, to her workers pushing 419 men in one ward 376 women enrolled from that ward Very good work is being done in Rockville where the women citizen has been subscribed to for the Public Library, and the Librarian is putting suffrage leaflets on the Bulletin Board. New Haven County. Report made by Mrs. Townshend showed that an excellent political organization is at work there, the signature campaign is going forward rapidly. Mrs. Townshend modestly gave Mrs. McDermott the majority of the credit with a well managed and organized New Haven County. They are trying out a different political MINUTES, EXECUTIVE BOARD. A meeting of the Executive Board of the C. W. S. A. was held April 15th at one o'clock at 55 Pratt Street. The minutes of the last meeting were read and accepted with two corrections. Miss Ludington then spoke of a plan she had in mind. She has telephoned Mrs. Catt and found that they think the amendment is to be put to vote in the senate next week. Miss Ludington feels that something decisive must be done immediately as a final attempt to influence Mr. McLean. She feels that the most effectual thing would be a deputation of women chosen carefully from all over the state, who would meet Mr. McLean in Washington next week. The Board was unanimously in favor of this plan and it was moved and seconded that we telegraph Mr. McLean, arranging for an interview for a deputation. Carried. Mr. McLean has secured from the anti-suffragists signatures of 60,000 women opposed, and she feels something must be done to offset the influence of this. Miss Ludington then read the letter which she proposes to send to the women chosen to go to Washington. The Treasurer's report was then read and accepted. There is a balance of $2,127.85. Miss Washburn explained that this was really larger than it should be as there are some outstanding bills which have been lost in the mail which should be paid from the balance. PRESS SECRETARY'S REPORT Miss Havens reported that most of her time has been occupied with the bulletin which is to appear shortly. Publicity work was done on the New London and Willimantic meetings and on the citizenship courses being held by Mrs. Schoonmacker in New Haven. She also did a good deal of work in connection with Mrs. Porritt's election on the school board. HEADQUARTER'S COMMITTEE. Miss Bulkley reported an offer from Mr. Newton to renew the lease for two years at an increase of $300, making a rental of $2,800. The Insurance Company has agreed to pay $97.25 to cover the loss by fire in February. Another burglary resulted in the loss of $13.55. Bars are to be put in the rear windows by the landlord. Such excellent work was done at the time of the fire, as well as in general, by Mrs. Byles that Miss Bulkley recommended making her a present. Report accepted. -2- Moved and seconded that we accept Mr. Newton's offer in regard to the renewal of the lease for two years. Passed. Moved and seconded that a gift of $15.00 be made to Mrs. Byles as a reward of merit. Carried. Headquarter's Secretary, Miss Wagle, reported work done on the Addressograph lists. Many letters sent out from Miss Ludington, Mrs. Maxim and Mrs. Schoonmacker and work done on Mrs. Porritt's election. Thrift stamps and Liberty Bonds sold. Report accepted. CONGRESSIONAL REPORTS. 1st District. Miss Bulkley reported her political organization progressing slowly. The town leaders in Rocky Hill and South Manchester have suggested to prominent men suffragists that they stand for legislature. Report accepted. 2nd District. Mrs. Russell reported organization progressing except for town leaders in Middlesex County, but this will undoubtedly be helped by an organizer. Report accepted. 3rd District. Mrs. Townsend was not present, but Mrs. Braydon reported for her that petition work had been started in all but two districts. The political organization forwarded by means of special meetings. A promise has been secured of the introduction of suffrage resolutions in a meeting of the Republican Town Committee and the promise of support from several members. An enthusiastic meeting in Meriden. Mrs. Braydon has spoken before the North Haven, West Haven Political Equality Inc. Leagues. Report accepted. 4th District. Mrs. Rawson reported Mrs. A. Barton Hepburn has taken the leadership of the 24th District and is planning a big meeting. Mrs. Richard Howell has been secured as leader of the 25th District. She has appointed school district leaders in Stratford of different nationalities, and especially good work is being done in the colored district. A large meeting is to be held in Stratford April 30th. New Town leader in Greenwich, Mrs. Lloyd Cooney, is doing excellent work. New workers are being secured in New Canaan through the district leader, Mrs. Leeming. Another big meeting is to be held in Stamford. Report accepted. 5th District. Mrs. Taylor read a letter from Mr. McLean and an answer sent him by a friend of hers. She told of a state convention of the Daughters of Rebecca to be held in Winsted in April or May. As 300 women from all over the state are to be present, she felt it was an opportunity for some suffrage work to be done. She has Miss Kane of Pittsfield as secretary, and she is doing excellent work. Report accepted. Moved and seconded that the state organizer investigate the question of this convention and try to arrange to send a suffrage speaker. Carried. -3- STATE ORGANIZER'S REPORT. Miss Selden reported that she had divided her work into two parts -- the Congressional and State work -- the purpose of the former being to show suffrage sentiment to Mr. McLean. In this connection she held meetings in New London and Willimantic. Both sent resolutions to Mr. McLean. She visited Camp Devens to try and arrange to speak to the men on the ground that as they cannot vote a favorable expression of their opinion could be used with Mr. McLean or State men. She was referred to the War Department for permission. In the State work she is making catalogues of politicians, systemitizing the work for a campaign with Miss Carson. Proceeding with the signatures campaign. In this connection she said she wishes the blanks returned to her when filled. In the Political Organization she has secured three new Senatorial District leaders, four Township leaders and twenty-three Ward leaders, and she recommends that League presidents be asked to take political responsibility if they are unable to get other women. Report accepted. Miss Ludington said that all the counties but two have organizers now and that two of these organizers have offered to cover there. Miss Carson, one of our new organizers working in Hartford County, has specialized in Industrial work, but for the present she is to fill the position of Organization Secretary, taking care of the office and of the work while Miss Selden is in the field, as it is impossible for Miss Selden to continue to do both. There will be a meeting of the organizers before each board meeting, the important points of which will then be reported by Miss Selden at the Board meeting. Miss Carson then explained the two kinds of reports which she would shortly send out to the political organizations to be filled out and returned. Mrs. Taylor suggested an enclosed return postal acknowledging the receipt of the same. It was moved and seconded that Miss Carson be appointed Organization Secretary. Carried. Mrs. Rawson held that as Miss Carson is especially trained in Industrial work she should be used more there, but Miss Carson felt that once the office machinery is in running order it will leave her time for Industrial work. Miss Ludington said that if ratification comes, we should have ready a plan for work which could be sent month by month to the entire organization to give uniformity to the work. Miss Carson asked that County Chairmen keep in mind this plan. When suffrage resolutions are passed by an organization and this organization later backs an individual, he be made to realize that the organization backing him has come out for suffrage. She has sent a letter to the entire political organization of the state, explaining this plan regarding the organization in its relation to Miss Selden and herself. -4- COUNTY REPORTS. Hartford. Miss Bulkley reported the organization of the New Britain Woman's Suffrage Party -- chairman, Mrs. A. N. Beardsley; a meeting of the Rocky Hill League, at which Miss Ludington spoke. The Hartford Equal Franchise League did excellent work in conducting a campaign to help elect Mrs. Porritt to the Board of Education. This League has also started a series of weekly food sales. The South Manchester Equal Franchise League was asked to join with the South Manchester Woman's Committee of the Council of Defense in a meeting with Helen Fraser as speaker, and this was done. New Haven. Mrs. Morris reported the citizenship work well under way, with Mrs. Schoonmacker conducting a series of classes, each class receiving a course of six lectures on the machinery of government, the Leagues interested being the three New Haven Leagues, West Haven, Hamden, Meriden, Woodbridge, Naugatuck and Guilford; also two clubs of Russian women and the Girl's Patriotic League. Recognition of this work has already come from the local War Bureau, which has placed Mrs. Morris on its Americanization Committee. Mrs. Schoonmacker is making a great success as leader of this work. Report accepted. New London. Mrs. Austin reported that Lyme had raised eleven dollars, thereby completing half of their pledge. New London raised money for their pledge at a Bridge, assisted in arranging a mass meeting, at which Mr. Ratcliff and Mrs. Schoonmacker spoke, had a car in the Liberty Loan Parade and have a booth at the Mohican Hotel, at which $14,000 worth of Liberty Bonds have already been sold. They are also working on the Signatures campaign and planning a meeting with Mme. Huard as speaker. Norwich has held a meeting, at which Miss Ludington and Mrs. Schoonmacker spoke. The new organizer Miss Gleaton, has started work in the County. Report accepted. Moved and seconded that a formal offer be made by the C. W. S. A. to the Council of Defense of speakers to make patriotic addresses before Industrial workers. Carried. Fairfield County. Mrs. Rawson reported Bridgeport still increasing its membership. The new finance committee nearing completion, and Mrs. A. Barton Hepburn, a member, starting sending appeals. At the last County meeting in Stamford nearly $120.00 raised and five leagues have pledged to give dollar meetings for the benefit of county work. The County appreciated the generous offer of the State Finance Committee to loan it money, and although it has seemed best not to accept this time, it feels that the idea is correct and that such cooperative arrangements should be possible between state and counties. A reception was given April 9th by two Stamford Leagues to Miss Ludington, at which Miss Murray spoke on the Overseas Hospital. Miss Murray also addressed a teachers' meeting of a hundred members in Norwalk on political suffrage. Newtown has sent a petition and is planning to double the number of their meetings. -5- Miss Murray out of the field for the present, as she has the measles. Report accepted. Windham County. Mrs. Kitchelt, the new organizer, reported work done in Willimantic canvassing and organizing with the result that eighty to ninety per cent of the women canvassed signed for suffrage. A meeting was held April 4th, at which 350 were present. Spoke at the Girls Dormitory and the Normal School. She visited librarians, teachers in each school, secretary of United Charities and Girls Club, and the political organization is under way. She has collected 221 signatures. Report accepted. Mrs. Taylor reported that Mrs. Hitchcock has resigned her office as president of the Canaan League. Litchfield County. No Report. Middlesex County. Mrs. Russell reported that she had been unable to get a letter for Middletown. The organization is well under way with leaders secured in four districts. A leader, Mrs. Frank E. Palmer, already secured in Bozrah. A canvasser is starting the signature campaign work among the mill operators and French Canadians in Norwich. Report accepted. In bringing up the question of war work Miss Ludington said that she felt the question raised by Mrs. Russell at the last meeting in regard to finding out just what war positions are held by suffragists must be undertaken now simply in order that the suffragists may defend themselves against the utterly false accusations being constantly made that they are not willing to do war work. Mrs. Russell had prepared a letter which she read, to be sent out to the League presidents and others in order to find out the actual offices held by suffragists. Miss Washburn suggested that on the completion of the list it be used in some way. Moved and seconded that the letter be sent out, the data gathered at Headquarters and grouped for use. Carried. Miss Ludington suggested appointing Mrs. Schoonmacker as our Americanization representative for the Council of Defense and Mrs. Russell suggested the possibility of getting Dr. Ives of Middletown for the chairman of Overseas Hospital Fund. The probable plan to be followed in raising our quota of $3,000. will be to appoint 100 women around the state who shall each agree to give or raise $30. It was moved and seconded that this plan be adopted. Carried. The committee in charge of securing the Men's Advisory Committee wishes more leeway on the number to which this board was limited. Moved and seconded that the motion limiting the number of men on the committee to 15 be rescinded. Carried. -6- Moved and seconded that the committee in charge be empowered to increase the limit of the number of men on the Men's Advisory Council at its discretion. Carried. Resolutions were read on the death of Mrs. Carlos W. Stoddard, of New Haven. Moved and seconded that these resolutions be accepted and a copy sent to Mr. Stoddard. Carried. It was decided that it had always been and would continue to be allowable for organizers to use any literature from Headquarters at their meetings. Moved and seconded that we advertise in the Labor Day Book and the program of the ball for Devens soldiers, also the County Fair Bulletins, the details to be left to a committee appointed by the chair with power to act. Carried. Miss Ludington appointed Miss Washburn and Miss Haven as members of this committee. Mrs. Samuel Russell, Jr., was obliged to resign her office of chairman of Middlesex County. Miss Ruutz-Rees moved, and it was seconded, that Mrs. Russell's resignation be accepted with furious indignation. Carried. It was moved and seconded that Miss Mary Webster be appointed chairman of Middlesex County. Carried. Moved and seconded that Mrs. Russell be urged to take the Political leadership of her district and be invited to sit with the board. Carried. Mrs. Rawson spoke of the lack of time for business in the Board meetings, as the reports take so long. Moved and seconded that hereafter the board meet at 11.30 promptly. Carried. Moved and seconded the meetings be held on the third Wednesdays of the month. Carried. Moved and seconded that the reports be written and limited to five minutes. Carried. Meeting adjourned at 4.30. The News Bulletin "Application for entry as second class matter at the Post Office at Hartford, Conn., pending." Monthly Organ of The Connecticut Woman Suffrage Association. Vol. I 5 Hartford, Connecticut, April, 1918 No. 1 Editor - MARGERY HAVEN Bulletin Committee - MISS KATHARINE LUDINGTON MISS MARY BULKLEY MISS MABEL E. WASHBURN HEADQUARTERS, 55 Pratt St. MISS DAPHNE SELDEN, State Organizer MISS MARGARET WAGLE, Headquarters Secretary Miss Ludington will confer with any suffragists at Headquarters by appointment through the Secretary. The Bulletin which has been a household friend of suffragists for several years appears this month in new form. We feel it necessary to explain that this new venture is only by way of experiment. The amount of news which we want to set before all suffragists of the state increases so rapidly that we believe that this new form will enable us to bring to you much more than was possible in the other form of BULLETIN. If you enjoy the BULLETIN in its new dress will you not write and tell us so? Before establishing it as a permanent institution we wish to feel that it is fulfilling its purpose. WAR WORK Early last spring the third floor rooms of the Headquarters building were stripped of their suffrage finery and turned into Red Cross work rooms, where under Mrs. Louis F. Middlebrook, work had been steadily going on ever since. Much work is taken home and the average weekly quota of garments turned in at the Red Cross rooms is 160. All suffragists and their friends will be welcomed at the suffrage work rooms. The rooms are open on Wednesday morning, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday afternoons. CONNECTICUT SUFFRAGISTS If the Senate has not passed the Amendment by the time the BULLETIN reaches you will you make one more great effort to persuade Senators Brandagee and McLean to vote in favor of it? This may be done in the following ways: Resolutions passed at meetings, petitions, letters and telegrams from leading citizens and other expressions of public opinion. This is the most hopeful and also the most critical period through which the suffrage movement has passed in the past fifty years. All of the heroism, the idealism and the devotion of the great army of suffrage workers is finding its culmination in the struggle for the passage of the Federal Amendment through the Congress of the United States. In this struggle Connecticut is one of the pivotal points as we have two Senators neither of whom has committed himself to a favorable vote. Now is the time to show the stuff that our suffrage principles are made of and bring the entire great body of suffrage conviction in Connecticut to bear on our two Senators. SUFFRAGE SPECIAL ENDS WEEK'S TOUR In order to convince Senator George B. McLean that his constituents wish him to vote for the Susan B. Anthony amendment, an intensive campaign was carried on in Hartford county from Thursday, March 7 to March 14. The campaign was carried on by means of the Senate Suffrage Special, an automobile camouflaged with suffrage banners and signs and carried the crew of 2 The News Bulletin suffrage workers, consisting of Mrs. Nancy Schoonmaker, who has recently come to Connecticut to take up citizenship work, Miss Mary Bulkley chairman of Hartford county, Miss Daphne Selden, state organizer and Miss Marger Haven, press chairman. The itinerary included New Britain, Bristol, West Hartford, Simsbury, South Manchester, Rocky Hill and Middletown. No opportunity was lost during the week to spread suffrage sentiment and to direct sentiment already existing into the proper channels so that Senator McLean would be made aware that the constituents of his own county at least were anxious to have him go on record as a believer in true democracy when the vote is taken on the suffrage amendment in the Senate. Factory meetings were held in addition to evening meetings and Mrs. Schoomaker, the principal speaker, always found her audiences receptive, enthusiastic and eager to push the cause of equal suffrage beyond the present existing barrier. The meeting in New Britain was particularly noteworthy. Mayor George A. Quigley spoke briefly at the conclusion of Mrs. Schoonmaker's address on "Women and War" and though, with true political caution, he did not openly declare himself an adherent of the cause of woman suffrage, still what he said convinced his audience that suffragists could count on his support. It was at New Britain that an elderly lady came forward at the close of the meeting to speak to Mrs. Schoonmaker. "I am a cousin of Susan B. Anthony," she said. "This is the best suffrage meeting that I have ever attended-- except those when she spoke." It had been planned by the suffrage workers aboard the Special to have the climax of the trip come with a meeting at Simsbury, the home town of Seantor McLean. The Weather Man proved to be in the employ of the evil spirit which has been sending flood, fire and burglars down on Headquarters during the winter and blew up a fine storm of snow, hail and rain just in time to dampen the ardor of many of those who intended to be present at the Simsbury meeting. However, what the meeting lacked in attendance it made up in enthusiasm. Resolutions were passed at every meeting urging Senator McLean to affirm his faith in true democracy and to vote for the Susan B. Anthony amendment and a night letter was sent to him every night by the workers on board the Special. As a result of the meetings many letters and telegrams were sent to Senator McLean voicing the sentiment of his constituents in favor of equal suffrage for men and women. Mr. Schoonmaker, well known writer and poet who worked with Mrs. Schoonmaker in the successful New York campaign happened to be in the vicinity of Hartford during the progress of the Special and was drafted into service. After the Simsbury meeting a policeman who had sat in the back of the hall during the meeting came up to Mr. Schoonmaker. "That your wife?" he questioned, pointing to Mrs. Schoonmaker. "It is," Mr. Schoonmaker answered. "She's all right." answered the Blue- coat. "How do you stand on this suffrage question?" queried Mr. Schoonmaker "I'm for 'em! I'll vote for 'em!" replied the Blue-coat, slapping Mr. Schoonmaker on the back. This same spirit of co-operation marked the progress of the entire trip and the C. W. S. A. feels the effort involved. WOMEN WIN AT LIVELY CAUCUS Two lively caucuses took place in the town of West Hartford recently, at which Mrs. C. W. Turner, running on the Democratic ticket, and Mrs. H. H. Marshall, running on the Republican ticket, received nominations for vacancies on the Board of Education defeating in each case the male candidate for the nomination. Mrs. Tuerner, the democratic candidate was nominated for the position by a vote of 32 to 5 over the male candidate. The Republicans, not to be outdone by the Democrats, in spite of strong anti opposition, succeeded in nominating Mrs. Marshall, who received 53 of the 94 votes cast. In commenting on the caucus, the most unusual the town has ever had, the Hartford Courant said: "The feature of the caucus was the nomination of Mrs. Marshall on the school committee. Charles Deckleman read and presented the petition of the 128 persons desiring a woman member, stating at the same time that the women of whom there were many present were there in a peaceful mood and that their presence was not to be regarded in any sense political." "The opinion was expressed at the Republican caucus that it would not be well in face of the fact that the Democrats had nominated Mrs. Turner to have the Republican caucus go on record as not favoring women on the Board." The News Bulletin 3 C. W. S. A. PLANS COURSES IN CITIZENSHIP Mrs. Nancy Musselman Schoonmaker who helped win the suffrage victory for the New York women in the recent campaign in that state is the most recent addition to the working force of the C. W. S. A. Mrs. Schoonmaker, who at present is doing organizing in the vicinity of Harford will soon begin her work of instructing the women of the state in the principles of citizenship. Mrs. Schoonmaker who is the wife of Edwin Davies Schoonmaker, well known as a dramatist, essayist and poet, is equally at home delivering a suffrage speech, giving charming dramatic readings of her own plays, writing articles, stories, novels and dramas or pioneering in the Wyoming Rockies. Her life in the West made her more interested in the problems of women. "The women interested me particularly," she said, "the heavy work they do, their growing social life, the problems of educating their children, and their feeling about votes. They have an interest in the men who run for office, and the questions that are up, but in the ballot, no interest whatever. They all vote as a matter of course, but the question of whether or not they should have been allowed to vote has entirely dropped out of everybody's consciousness." In speaking of the prospective citizenship work, Mrs. Schoonmaker said, "The plans for the citizenship work are growing every day. We have a committee working with me, to give suggestions and help unfold and execute plans. Our final objective is to reach every woman in the state and rouse her to her obligation in the matter of voting. We want her to feel herself an essential factor in her community. We shall work through our own organization, but by no means limit the work to our own members. We want to reach all the women, even the antis. We will have classes for teachers who will then form classes. We will have bureaus for political information upon which the women can draw, large county conferences, with experts in the various municipal departments to address us, and many other ways of getting our information across to the women who wish it. "Equipping women for citizenship is like equipping soldiers with rifles. Both are war work. If we are to win the war, we must have trained, properly armed soldiers at the front to fight for us: but we must also see that the affairs at home are left in the hands of conscientious, patriotic citizens. The choice is between women and slackers and I do not believe there are many men who would not prefer to have these home affairs in the hands of women rather than of the men who had refused to help win the war." The Citizenship Committee includes Miss Ludington, Miss Caroline Ruutz- Rees, Mrs. Charles G. Morris, Mrs. Marion Nichol Rawson, and Miss Mary Bulkley. BRIDGEPORT WOMEN STUDY CITIZENSHIP Bridgeport suffragists are taking time by the forelock and are preparing themselves for the time not far distant when they will have equal citizenship with men. A six week's course of lectures is just drawing to a close in which the women of that city and vicinity have had the principles of government set before them by men prominent in municipal and state affairs. Lieutenant Governor Clifford B. Wilson, Mayor of the City of Bridgeport; John T. King, member from Connecticut of the Republican National committee, Jacob B. Klein, Judge John S. Pullman, Representative Samuel C. Shaw, and Judge William H. Comley gave the course of lectures which were considered in the following order: "General Differences and Functions of National, State and Municipal Government," "City and Town Government," "State Government," "Machinery of Elections," "Registration, Caucus and Election Proper," "National and State Judicial System," "Has the American Form of Government Proved Successful?" The lectures have been well attended and testify to the fact that women of the state are awake to the times in which they live and are realizing that there is no time to lose in preparing for citizenship. RECEPTIONS FOR MISS LUDINGTON Suffragists of Stamford and vicinity had an opportunity to meet Miss Ludington, the president of the C. W. S. A. recently when a reception was given for her on March 12 at the home of Mrs. Harry Montague in Riverside. Miss Ludington gave a short talk during the evening speaking of the national aspect of the suffrage question and telling of the work of the state organization. The leagues of Bridgeport, Stratford and Fairfield gave a reception to Miss Ludington a few weeks ago at the Stratfield in Bridgeport. Suffragists throughout the state knew Miss Ludington before she assumed the position of president because of her activities on the Central War Work Committee. The News Bulletin AN APPRECIATION In the death of Mrs. Frank Day all suffragists of the state feel a distinct loss. The banner room of Headquarters was the particular province of Mrs. Day and it is because of her faithful and tireless services that this property of the C. W. S. A. has been kept so carefully. The enrollment file on which Mrs. Day worked with Mrs. George Day, will also bear witness to her devoted services. All who worked with Mrs. Day loved her and although she had not been active at Headquarters in the past few months she has been constantly missed. At a recent meeting of the executive board the following resolutions were passed and sent to Mrs. George H. Day: WHEREAS the executive board of the Connecticut Woman Suffrage Association has heard with sorrow of the death of Mrs. Frank Day for so long a devoted and able worker in the association, be it RESOLVED that we express to the members of her family our sympathy in their great loss and out grateful recollection of all the efficient service that she so tirelessly gave to the cause of woman suffrage in Connecticut. According to new plans made at the recent executive meeting of the C. W. S. A. the war work of the association will be carried on along lines differing from the work of the Central War Work Committee which worked so effectively last summer. Different chairmen have been named who will have charge of definite forms of war work. Mrs. Samuel Russell, Jr., chairman of Middlesex county has been appoint chairman of the Food Conservation work. Mrs. Hiram Percy Maxim, chairman of the Liberty Loan, Mrs. Charles G. Morris, of the Woman's Land Army Movement, Dr. Harriet Hyde, of the Women's Overseas Hospital and Miss Caroline Ruutz-Rees, chairman of the Americanization Committee. These chairman will co-operate with state organizations already organized for definite work. Fairfield County-- At the last meeting of the executive board of the C. W. S. A., Mrs. Rawson, acting chairman, announced that a new drive for the Federal Amendment was to begin in each town of the county and that efforts were to be made to have five men in each town send letter or telegrams to the two Senators each day until the vote was taken in the House. Mrs. Richard Howell, the town leader of Stratford, has started a blanket canvass of the town and of the estimated adult population of 5,000 at the time of going to press, 3,292 signatures to a petition asking Senator McLean to vote for the Amendment had been ordained. The work will progress until the time when the vote is taken and it is expected that the petition will then represent all of the adult population. This county has also given the services of Miss Grace Murray, the county organizer, to the State Council of Defense and Miss Murray has spoken many times during the winter with prominent men of the state. One man who appeared on the same program with Miss Murray said, "She doesn't say one word about suffrage but she's the best suffrage speaker I have ever heard." New Haven County-- New Haven County has a new suffrage worker in Mrs. Gladys Bragdon who will organize under the direction of Mrs. Charles G. Morris and Mrs. Henry Townshend. Mrs. Bragdon worked in the victorious New York campaign and brings enthusiasm and vigor to her work. Mrs. Townshend and Mrs. Bragdon have been interviewing representative men in that vicinity and have been directing the suffrage sentiment of the county so that Senator McLean and Senator Brandagee will be made aware of it. Windham County-- Miss Rosamund Danielson reports that two good meetings have been held recently in Woodstock and one in Thompson. Plans are now under way for a meeting to be held in Danielson. Tolland County-- One league in the county, according to Mrs. Welch, the county chairman, is making plans as a part of its war work to wage a definite campaign for the Liberty Loan. Mrs. Welch also reported that the work of Political Organization was practically completed. Middlesex County-- Open meetings in several towns of the county are being planned, says Mrs. Russell, the county chairman, to stimulate suffrage sentiment and to further the work of political organization. New London County-- A suffrage mass meeting will be held in New London on April 3, when S. K. Ratcliffe, editorial writer of the London University extension, will speak on "Woman suffrage and the War." This meeting is being planned to stimulate suffrage sentiment and to bring pressure to bear on the two Senators. Litchfield County-- In Litchfield County the work of political organization is being completed under the direction of the chairman Mrs. A. E. S. Taylor. Connecticut Woman Suffrage Association Headquarters; 55-57 Pratt Street, Hartford Telephone Charter 6217 Executive Committee Miss Katherine Ludington President 55-57 Pratt St.. Hartford Mrs. Hiram Percy Maxim Corresponding Secretary 276 North Whitney St. Hartford Mrs. Henry H. Townshend Auditor New Haven Mrs. William T. Hincks Ex-president (1911-1913) Bridgeport Mrs. Grace Thompson Seton Vice-president Greenwich Mrs. Thomas W. Russell Recording Secretary Haartford Miss Mabel Washburn Treasurer 55-57 Pratt St.. Hartford Mrs. Marion Nichell Rawson Auditor Riverside Miss Daphne Selden State organizer 55 Pratt Street Hartford Mrs. Thomas N. Hepburn Ex-president 1910-1911 and 1913-1917) Hartford Miss Mary Bulkley Chairman Hartford County Hartford Mrs. Chas. G. Morris Chairman New Haven County New Haven Mrs. Willis Austin Chairman New London County Norwich Miss Caroline Ruutz-Rees Chairman Fairfield County Greenwich Miss Rosamond Danielson Chairman Windham County Putnam Mrs. A. E. Scranton Taylor Chairman Litchfield County Norfolk Mrs. Samuel Russel, Jr. Chairman Middlesex County Middletown Mrs. Fannie Dixon Welch Chairman Tolland County Columbia April 16th, 1910. Dear Leader: The enclosed letter addressed to senatorial Leaders has been sent to the Senatorial Leaders in your district, a list of whom is appended. Please file this list for reference and corrections. Where there are no Senatorial Leaders or where they are for any reason inactive will you and the organizer plan to have the instructions of the letter carried out. Sincerely yours, Mary G. Carson Organization Secretary. Miss Rosamund Danielson. Senatorial District Leaders. Windham. 28. Mrs. F. U. Johnstone, Putnam, R. D. 2. 29. Mrs. Frank Foss, 142 Chestnut St. Willimantic,, April 17, 1918. Dear Senatorial Leader: The Central Committee of each party meets within the next two weeks to make out the party platform. The member of each committee from your Senatorial District is Republican Democratic Progressive Prohibitionist Socialist If you by calling on these men can make sure that they understand thoroughly the importance of ratifying this amendment as one of the battles in a war for Democracy, and pledge them to work for ratification, you will have rendered a very large service. Please report on these men as soon as possible. Sincerely yours, MINUTES OF BOARD MEETING. A meeting of the Executive Board of the C. W. S. A. was held on March 4th at 1 P. M. at Headquarters, 55 Pratt Street, Harford. The minutes of the last meeting were read and accepted with two corrections. Miss Ludington spoke of the great loss to the association occasioned by the death of Mrs. Frank Day, and resolutions were read and accepted. CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICTS. 4th District. Mrs. Rawson reported that two of her district leaders had been obliged to resign, which would cause some delay in completing her organization--several new appointments made however. Petition in Stratford being wonderfully carried on, so far 3000names secured, among them that of Mr. T. Henry Blakeman, representative from Stratford, hitherto an anti. One man has secured 329 names and no refusals. Petitions are also being circulated in Bridgeport and Newton. Resolutions passed in many Stratford meetings. In Stamford and Greenwich editors were successfully approached in regard to favorable editorials, and an editor in Darien requested all local suffrage news. A special meeting, held by the Norwald League to hear Miss Selden speak, was most enthusiastic. 1st District. Miss Bulkley reported plans being made for the Senate Suffrage Special, made possible by the loan of a motor, a gift of $100 and Mrs. Schoonmaker's services. Meetings are already arranged for South Manchester, Windsor, Bristol, New Britain, Simsbury, West Hartford and Rocky Hill. Two more town leaders have been secured. Simsbury has enrolled about 200 women whose names are being sent, a few at a time, to Senator McLean. Report accepted. Miss Ludington then said she felt it was important that meetings should be held in each of the Congressional Districts to keep up the interest. in suffrage. STATE ORGANIZATION. Miss Selden reported working in Middlesex County for a week. She showed a chart illustrating the final political organization of the state and what had already been accomplished. She reported at the same time on the committee on enrollment, of which she is chairman--the other members being Miss Mary Bulkley, Mrs. Gallup and Mrs. Green. She gave the number she hopes to secure but feels that a most important part of the whole undertaking is maintaining absolute secrecy until the object is accomplished. Report accepted. Miss Ludington reported in regard to the organizers, whom was empowered to engage, that she has raised money enough for three more organizers, but feels it is essential, if possible, that enough money be raised so that each county may have its own organizer. -2- Mrs. Rawson moved that Miss Ludington be empowered to engage five organizers. Seconded and carried. Miss Ludington then spoke of the need of a finance committee. It was moved and seconded that Miss Ludington appoint Miss Washburn, Mrs. Seton and herself a finance committee with power to enlarge and power to appoint its own chairman. Carried. COUNTY REPORTS. HARTFORD COUNTY. Miss Bulkley reported a meeting of the Rocky Hill league, where a town leader was appointed and regular monthly meetings planned. An interesting School Board election in West Hartford at which two women suffragists were nominated for positions of the board. Report accepted. FAIRFIELD COUNTY. Mrs. Rawson reported that the Riverside league is to hold a reception for Miss Ludington at which Miss Murray will be present. A county clerical corps is organizing with twelve members anxious to work. NEW HAVEN COUNTY. Mrs. Morris reported a fusion meeting of the Madison and Guilford leagues in Guilford. Expects to speak soon before the Hamden league, and the New Haven Political Equality League is trying to get a footh[e]old in Branford but finds it very conservative. She then gave a financial account[ing] of the dinner in New Haven, which cleared $63 and secured pledges for $1035. Report accepted. Moved and seconded that the New Haven County leader be allowed to dispose of the $63 surplus from the dinner as she sees fit. Carried. WINDHAM COUNTY. No report. MIDDLESEX COUNTY. Mrs. Russell reported going about the county with Miss Selden rousing up interest again and found leagues quite enthusiastic. She still needs leaders for Cromwell and Portland. Has had no reports as yet from Saybrook and Deep River. A meeting planned for March 13th at Higganum. In Westfield a group of women had planned to organize as a whist club but have decided to have a suffrage organization instead. Report accepted. TOLLAND COUTY. Mrs. Welch reported plans for a meeting in the near future. The question is undecided as to the best place to hold it. Report accepted. Miss Selden reported for Mrs. Seton in regard to the Advisory Council Committee. She read a list of fifteen names prepared. Said they hope to get a man from every county. Report accepted. Miss Ludington then said she felt it most important that all the plans should be made for a large mass meeting, to be launched as soon as the Amendment passes the Senate. She felt that as a large meeting had already been planned by the Fairfield County league it might be possible to continue with them and make it a state affair. They had hoped to get Mr. Roosevelt and the question rose as to whom we could get in case he was unavailable, or in addition to him. Suggestions were made of Dr. Shaw, Mrs. Catt, Mr. Homer Cummings, Beatrice Forbes-Robertson Hale, and Mr. Gerard. After some discussion it was moved and seconded that Miss Murray be made chairman of a committee to -3- arrange for a celebration meeting in Fairfield County with power to appoint her own committee. Carried. Miss Ludington then took up the question of citizenship work. She, Miss Ruutz-Rees and Miss Bulkley had held a meeting with Mrs. Schoonmaker who has been secured for this work in Connecticut. It was decided to enlarge this committee to five eventually to work through the leagues but at present to give Mrs. Schoonmaker a chance to get to know the state better. Mrs. Schoonmaker's own idea at present is to hold course at the various leagues--possibly six lessons in three days--she wants a citizenship institute in each county during the summer where civic lecturers could be heard as well as local speakers. She wishes to start the work in colleges, normal schools, and among the grade teachers. It was moved and seconded that the citizenship committee be enlarged to five and that they have power to start any work in classes that seems possible. Carried. Mrs. Hawson and Mrs. Morris appointed to serve. The question of the Bulletin was then brough up. Miss Haven felt that it should be printed in a more readable form and Miss Ruutz-Rees' the necessity of having a form which could be filed. Mrs. Hepburn spoke of the necessity of using union printers. Miss Haven showed a pamphlet form which she felt met all the requirements, and could be printed for approximately $26.00 a time. It was moved and seconded that a committee be appointed by Miss Ludington with the power to print on bulletin as experiment and report back on this at the next board meeting. Carried. Miss Ludington felt that the association should be urged to send news to Miss Haven and that every league should have a press chairman. Miss Ludington then brought up the question of war work. She read the minutes of a meeting held December4th telling of plans made at that time. Since then the Nation Associate has sent out the various lines of work undertaken by the government, such as food, Liberty Bonds, etc., such a chairman to put herself at the disposal of the State Council of Defence, and stand ready to do any active work in this line when, or if, called upon by them. Miss Ludington felt that while the suffragists who are already active in war work could not be asked to do more,in many cases it might re-inforce the interest they already felt. There is also the possibility that some suffragists might be gotten into war work who are not already active. It was moved and seconded that the motion of December 4th in regard to war work be rescinded. Carried. This was necessary in order to re-organize on the lines decided on at the present meeting. It was also felt that there should be a chairman to take charge of our quota of money to be raised for the Overseas Hospital. There followed a discussion of the question of publicity on war work, done by suffragists. The change is made by many antis that suffragists will not do work and yet the policy of the State Council of Defense makes it impossible to draw attention to much of the work being done there by suffragists Mrs. Russell suggested getting the number of women who hold war positions in the state. It was felt that the County chairmen should send in to Miss Haven every item of war work as well as work on suffrage done by their league members. It was suggested to use Mr. Freeman's letter -4- of thanks for Miss Murray's services. Miss Ludington asked for suggestions as to other plans for war work, but it was finally moved and seconded that the C. W. S. A. organize along the lines suggested by the national. Carried. Mrs. Maxim suggested the possibility of a special Thrift Stamp drive and she was asked to find out from the Thrift Stamp committee whether can be of any assistance in their drive. Miss Ludington then made the following appointments for chairmen: Food - Mrs. Samuel Russell, Jr. Womans Land Army - Mrs. Morris Liberty Loan - Mrs. Maxim Overseas Hospital - Dr. Hyde Americanization - Miss Ruutz-Rees Miss Ludington read a letter from Miss Sprague in regard to the Farm Bureau. Moved and seconded that Miss Ludington be asked to write Mr. Davis endorsing the Land Bureau Project. Carried. Mrs. Morris made a proposal on behalf of the New Haven E. F. L. that we should take over their headquarters as a state headquarters as they feel they can no longer bear the expense of maintenance. The rooms are donated but it might require a headquarters secretary and other running expenses. Mrs. Russell suggested that the C. W. S. A. take it over and the three New Haven leagues be responsible each for a day or more. Mrs. Rawson felt two state headquarters would be confusing but that it would be good as a county organization. Mrs. Morris felt this might be satisfactory. It was the sense of the board that we should not assume the financial responsibility. The Woman Citizen wrote about their circulation drive wishing our organization to help. The present list of subscribers in Connecticut is 629. Moved and seconded Miss Ludington be authorized to appoint a state chairman to take care of this matter. Carried. The question of using Miss Murray in Grange work is indefinitely postponed. Miss Ludington read several bulletins from the N. A. W. S. A. It was moved and seconded that the next board meeting be held in Hartford Monday March 18th at 12:45. Meeting adjourned at 4.15. Dorothy Mason Russell. Recording Secretary. Wed am Dear Miss Rosamond Just time for a word. I should love to have you come over to the "Contest" and bring a load. Miss Seward will read "How "[Persimmond?] found [der?] Baby" Portman in sight, Ella Carleton Silver Medal Contest Town Hall, Thompson SATURDAY EVENING, MARCH 16 Under Auspices THOMPSON W. C. T. U. Prayer, Rev. William Chase Remarks by President, Mrs. Minnie Bixby "Chant du Gondolia," Waltz, Orpheus Club Solo, "The Star Spangled Banner," and "Marseillaise," Bernard Jeyell Celebrated boy singer Contestants for Medal: Declamation, "How the League Was Formed," from Black Rock, by Ralph Connor, William Granata, Memorial High Declamation, "The Real Experience of a French Gunner," by Amelia Burr, Ruth Bartlett, Putnam High Declamation, "Why I Favor National Prohibition, Melville Keeley, Congressman from Pennsylvania Stanton Ballard, Putnam High Declamation, "An Ode on Dedication," written and read before Harvard's Chapter of Phi Beta Kappa, June 11, 1917, Herman Hazedon, Gladys Robbins, Putnam High Declamation, "The Old Man and Jim" James Whitcomb Riley, Alice Jocelyn, Memorial High March, "All the Rage," Orpheus Club Musial Reading, "An Old Sweetheart of Mine," Riley Katherine Seward Vocal Solo, "Firelight Faces," Lane Gladys Robbins "Pro Patria," Miss Fox The Young Elocutionist Piano Solo, Katherine Seward Vocal Solo, "The Trumpeter," Dix Wallace Smith Reading, Selected, Miss Fox "Oloha Oa," Farewell, Orpheus Club Awarding of Medals Judges, Miss Bertha L. Sargent, Chas. E. Searls, R. H. Chandler. "America." L. O. Williams, Mae Shumway, accompanists POLITICAL ORGANIZATION MEETING The Congressional Committee of the C.W.S.A., with the County Chairman, the organizers, and those Senatorial District leaders already appointed held an informal meeting in New Haven, Wed., Jan.30th at 12:45, to discuss detailed plans for the organization of Connecticut suffragists along political lines. Miss Ludington, the Chairman, outlined the proposed plan of organization of the state, and the duties of each of its branches.The subject was then freely discussed, with the ff. results:- Mrs.A.K.Soranton Taylor moved that it be the sense of this gathering that we turn our present organization into a political organization which shall parallel that of the political parties of the state.Mrs.Rawson offered an[d] amendment to this motion which Mrs. Taylor accepted.The amended motion was a follows:- Moved that it be the sense of this gathering that we incorporate into our present organization a political organization which shall parallel that of the political parties of the state.Seconded.Carried. Miss Selden moved that each Senatorial District Leader, Town, Ward or Voting District Leader be appointed form the top down, such appointments to be made in conference with the leader directly above.Seconded.Carried. Mrs.McDermott Moved that the Sen.Dist.Leaders in cities containing more than one Sen.Dist.constitute themselves a committee to be responsible for the two representatives from that town.Seconded.Carried. Miss Ludington urged the completion of the political organization as soon as possible,and immediate and continued work upon the two United States Senators,Frank B.Brandegee and George P.McLean,until the Senate should pass the Federal Suffrage Amendment. The Following resolution was unanimously adopted:- Resolved that this meeting most earnestly urge the Senate of the United States to pass the Federal Suffrage Amendment thus demonstrating the faith of this country in true Democracy. Resolved that this resolution be sent to Senator Frank B. Brandegee and Senator George P.McLean and that they be requested to see that it is read into the Congressional Record. Thirty-two women were present,representing seven of the eight counties of the state. (The detailed scheme of organization and the duties of each leader will be sent later--also a list of the political leaders of the Republican and Democratic parties in your district.) MINUTES OF BOARD MEETING A meeting of the executive board of the Connecticut Woman Suffrage Association was held at the Bond Annex January 16, 1918, at 11 A. M. The minutes of the previous meeting were read by Mrs. Russell and accepted with two corrections - substituting one word, and changing the figures, $2993.08 in the treasurer's report, to $2222.31. The treasurer's report was read by Miss Washburn and accepted. She announced that the loan is now entirely paid off and there is a balance in the treasury of $1090.18. Miss Bulkley gave her headquarters report. It was chiefly in regard to the freezing accident. She said that the building was about ready for occupancy again. A new man has been put in charge who already has charge of Unity Hall and seems most reliable. There is some question in regard to the rent of the tenants in the building during the time repairs were being made, and there was in consequence no heat. Legally they cannot be asked to pay if the building was untenantable, but as a matter of fact they stayed there most of the time by using extra coal and wood. The rent for these two weeks would amount to$30. It was moved and seconded that the two weeks' rent be canceled and the tenants charged for the coal and wood used during that period. Carried. Miss Bulkley said that Miss Wagle had come from Pennsylvania to apply for the position of headquarters secretary. She had very good recommendations though little suffrage experience; she had been interviewed by Miss Washburn. Miss Haven, who has been engaged as press secretary and assistant organizer, has not specialized in suffrage work but is interested. She has been engaged in newspaper work in Bridgeport. During the time headquarters were closed for repairs Miss Washburn has offered a room in her apartment for use. It was moved and seconded that a vote of thanks be given to Miss Washburn and Miss Clark for the use of their room. Carried. CONGRESSIONAL REPORTS. First District: Miss Bulkley, chairman, reported that in the six senatorial districts the following women had been appointed: 4th, Mrs. F. T. Blish, Manchester, 6th, Mrs. A. M. Beardsley, New Britain. Second District: Mrs. S. Russell, Jr., chairman, reported that she had secured Mrs. Anderson of New London for leader of her senatorial district; that she had as yet secured no one for the 34th or 29th districts but expects to get them in February. She feels that it is important that they should be interviewed personally in order to make them understand the work. Miss Ludington spole of a circular letter which is going from headquarters to the various leagues, asking them to repeat the work of sending letters, telegrams, etc., to the senators. A copy of this letter will be sent to each congressional chairman. It is felt that in the political organization of the state it must be decided where the - 2 - power shall be and what will be the status of the leagues in this work. It was felt that they should be taken into consultation and considered in any action which is to be taken. Mrs. Russell's report was accepted. Third District: Mrs. Townshend, chairman, reported that she had tried to organize New Haven along political lines. She has secured Mrs. McDermott in New Haven. She told her plan of organization and said she wishes a card catalog kept of political news or individuals. She then read an article which appeared in a New Haven newspaper, describing her work, which said that this was not a new organization but a concentration of effort. In discussing the congressional work, Miss Luddington said that the national policy in case the amendment does not pass the Senate is not to work against a man purely on the suffrage issue but on the grounds of his vulnerability otherwise, which might mean that no such action would be taken in Connecticut at all. Mrs. Townshend wished to know when the question of the policies of the political organization would be settled, and Miss Luddington felt that a special meeting of congressional leaders should be held for the purpose of deciding these questions. Mrs. Townshend's report was accepted. Fourth District: Mrs. Rawson, chairman, reported that she had found a new worker, Miss DeLisle; she has been appointed congressional leader of Riverside, and in four days she succeeded in getting eighty telegrams, prepaid by the senders, off to Washington. Mrs. Howard Chapman, leader of the 27th district, has declined work on the congressional committee. Mr. Schuler Merritt has agreed conditionally to serve on the men's advisory committee, also Mr. Samuel Shaw. Mrs. Barton Hepburn promised to ask Senator Bissell to serve on the same board but has not yet reported his reply. At the county meeting on the 10th it was voted that each league should appoint its own congressional leader to work under the direction of district leaders. Bridgeport, Stratford, and Riverside already have such committees. Fifth District: Mrs. Taylor, chairman, absent; no report. Miss Ludington then asked for ideas from the congressional leaders. Miss Bulkley felt that in working for the passage of the amendment in the Senate it was a mistake to ask the leagues to duplicate the work already done in sending telegrams, etc. Mrs. Hepburn felt that every kind of pressure must be brought to bear on Senators McLean and Brandegee at once. Mrs. Townshend suggested getting favorable editorials in the newspapers. Mrs. Rawson asked the possibility of starting such a campaign through Miss Haven now until the amendment comes into the Senate. It was moved and seconded that the press secretary be asked to consult - 3 - with the congressional leaders in regard to a propaganda campaign to be put through before the amendment goes before the Senate. Carried. Mrs. Townshend asked where she could get the names of men of political prominence, but there is no such list. Miss Ruutz-Rees suggested that such a list might be compiled through the co-operation of the different leaders. It was felt that in the congressional work there should not be town leaders, though in regard to this Bridgeport is peculiarly situated. Mrs. Rawson said that she thought there should be a meeting of the senatorial district leaders. Mrs. Russell moved, and it was seconded, that the chair appoint a meeting to include all members of the political organization of the state. Carried. REPORTS OF COUNTY CHAIRMEN Hartford: No report. New Haven: Mrs. Morris, chairman, reported that county work was beginning to get under way. Mrs. Morris and Miss Ames had addressed the Meridan league. Mrs. Morris planned to look up the situation in Milford, West Haven, and Guilford the following week. New London: Mrs. Austin sent a report which included the activities of the Niantic league. They have raised funds to erect an honor service board for their town and are presenting it as a gift from the Niantic Equal Franchise League. Miss Washburn moved, and it was seconded, that in carrying out the resolution presented by Fairfield county they be requested to send in a report of their finances in time for it to be incorporated in the treasurer's monthly report of the C. W. S. A. She felt that this would simplify matters. There was some discussion of this motion and it was then carried. Windham: Miss Danielson, chairman. They secured seventy signers to the petition sent to Congress. Middlesex: Mrs. Russell, chairman, reported that she has written to her leagues asking them to let her meet with them and plan about the work. The meeting then adjourned for lunch. Meeting resumed at 2:30 P.M. It was moved by Mrs. Seton, and seconded, that the C. W. S. A. endorse the bill proposed by Miss Rankin regarding the citizenship of women married to foreigners and that the corresponding secretary notify Miss Rankin of this motion. Carried. Mrs. Seton then read the proposal of Mrs. Hepburn in behalf of the Woman's Party for a joint committee appointed from the C. W. S. A. and the Woman's Party for the purpose of working for the ratification of the amendment in Connecticut. Mrs. Hepburn spole for the proposal. - 4 - A discussion of the matter followed, and it was finally moved by Mrs. Hepburn, and seconded, that the question be indefinitely postponed. Carried. Mrs. Russell then raised the question as to whether if this matter should be postponed the Woman's Party would work meanwhile in the state, and Miss Ludington felt that of course this would be bound to be so. Mrs. Hepburn moved, and it was seconded, that the board concentrate on getting suffragists bo bring pressure to bear on Senators McLean and Brandegee for the passage of the amendment. Carried. It was moved and seconded that when Congress shall pass the Federal Amendment a special convention shall be called to discuss the question of a joint committee of the C. W. S. A. and Woman's Party for ratification, unless it should occur at the time of a regular convention. Carried. A letter was read from Mr. Hohenthal, inviting the association to send representatives to a meeting of the Connecticut Dry Federation. Miss Ruutz-Rees moved, and it was seconded, that a committee without power be appointed by the chair to attend this meeting and consider the question of affiliating ourselves with this movement. Carried. Mrs. Rawson nominated Miss Ruutz-Rees for a place on the Board of the National Woman Suffrage Association; unanimously elected. A letter from Mrs. Bulkley was read, asking for co-operation in the floating of the third liberty loan. Mrs. Seton moved, and it was seconded, that the chair appoint a committee to handle work on the liberty loan in behalf of the C. W. S. A. Carried. Miss Ludington then appointed Mrs. Maxim for this position with power to appoint her committee and she also asked for volunteers in this work. Mrs. Seton suggested that the suffragists concentrate their work on some particular section. Moved and seconded that the board meetings be held the third Monday of the month at 12:30 without recess for lunch. Carried. Moved and seconded that the next meeting be held in New Haven. Carried. Moved and seconded that we accept Mrs. Townshend is invitation to meet at her house. Carried. The meeting adjourned at 3:45 P. M. Those present at the meeting were: Miss Ludington, Mrs. Seton, Mrs. Thomas Russell, Miss Bulkley, Mrs. Morris, Mrs. Maxim, Miss Washburn, Miss Ruutz-Reez, Mrs. Townshend, Mrs. Rawson, Miss Selden, Miss Danielson, Mrs. Hepburn, Mrs. S. Russell, Jr., and Miss Murray. (Signed( Dorothy Mason Russell, Recording Secretary. MINUTES OF BOARD MEETING A meeting of the Executive Board of the C. W. S. A. was held Wednesday, December 4, 1917, at 11 a.m. The minutes were accepted with slight corrections. A discussion of letterheads followed. Miss Bulkley moved that the C.W.S.A. letterhead be kept and the Congressional Committee be added. Withdrawn. Mrs. Taylor desired that the Congressional Committee have its own letterhead. Moved by Mrs. Taylor that letterheads bearing the names of the President and Vice-president of the C.W.S.A. and the Congressional chairmen be provided. Carried. Moved that minutes of each meeting be copied and sent to each member of the board. Carried. The treasurer reported as follows: Balance on hand $1614.04. Outstanding bills of about $100 and also salaries of furnace man, Miss Selden and Mrs. Byles. Nothing yet had been done about collecting the pledges either of this year or of those still owing from Bridgeport and Greenwich, amounting to about $1000. Suggested writing letter from the treasurer to be followed by work on the part of the county chairmen. Treasurer's report accepted. Miss Bulkley gave the Headquarters report. The second floor had been rented for $60 a month to a young men's club from December 1st. Some repairs had been necessary. Asked intentions of board concerning lease which is up on July 1st. Miss Washburn moved that Miss Bulkley be empowered to make the offer of the same rent to Mr. Newton for a new lease of three years and report back to the board. Withdrawn. The rent is now $2500. It appeared to be the sense of the board that $3000 might be reasonably demanded. Miss Washburn moved that Miss Bulkley be empowered to confer with owners of building and make an offer not exceeding $3000 for three years' lease of building. Seconded and carried. Report on delegates to the National Convention: Mrs. Porritt reported that Mrs. Newell was still in doubt, but otherwise that places for delegates were all filled. There were still places for four alternates, two of these were allotted to New Haven. Miss Ludington asked Mrs. Taylor if there were any questions which would come up at the convention. The only question would probably be concerning the anti-party policy. Miss Bulkley moved that the C. W. S. A. renew its offer of $2000 to the National to be raised by Mrs. A. Barton Hepburn's committee. Carried. Miss Ludington read the letter of resignation from Mrs. Benton who found herself unable to attend board meetings. Miss Bulkley moved that the resignation be accepted with regret. Carried. Names were suggested for the position. Miss Washburn nominated Mrs. John T. Robinson as recording secretary. Seconded and carried. Miss Ludington brought up the question of Central War Work Committee. Committee had lapsed with convention but meeting had been called for December 3rd. No quorum but some discussion of the work. There was a question whether it was wise to continue the committee. It was suggested that the war work be under the direction of the board and in each county the work should be done by the county chairman with a committee which - 2 - should include those who had previously been on the C. W. W. C. to represent their counties. Mrs. Welch approved this plan and thought she could do good work in her county. Mrs. Taylor disapproved the change. Miss Ruutz-Rees remarked that some of the women would be perplexed as to the capacity in which they were rendering war service, as the most prominent suffragists had the most active positions on the town committees. It was suggested that the remaining members of the C. W. W. C. be formed a committee under the chairmanship of a member of the board. Mrs. Seton moved that the War Work Committee be re-appointed by the board, the chairman being a member of the board, to carry on war work. Carried. Miss Ludington asked Mrs. Welch to serve. Mrs. Welch thought it impossible for her to do so but was willing to consider it. REPORTS OF CONGRESSIONAL CHAIRMEN Miss Bulkley has not appointed all her senatorial district leaders of seventeen women from six towns to Mr. Lonergan, who was for State rights, but was impressed by indication of a change of mind on that subject on the part of President Wilson. Mrs. Austin reported for Mrs. Russell - three district leaders appointed - others in view, but acceptances not yet received. Deputation of second district to Mr. Freeman in New London, attended by forty-five women from sixteen towns led by Mrs. Russell. Miss Selden spoke. Mr. Freeman ready to pledge support of the Federal Amendment. Mrs. Townshend reported only two districts organized owing to complications. She reported also a deputation to Mr. Tillson which resulted in his being found not altogether hopeless on the question of the Federal Amendment. Mrs. Townshend read a letter which she intends to send to Mr. Tillson, to follow up the deputation. Mrs. Rawson reported that the executive committee would be formed of ten senatorial district leaders. Suggested that Mr. Shcuyler Merritt be asked to be adviser for her district. Mrs. Seton thought the men's committee ought to be strengthened. Mrs. Rawson desired to have a men's committee for each county. She reported a meeting of the congressional committee for her district with the State organizer. Mrs. Taylor reported a deputation of over fifty women to Mr. Glynn. Women from almost every township were present. Mr. Glynn not hopeless. There are in Mrs. Taylor's district all but one chairman appointed as leaders of the senatorial districts. Mrs. Seton moved that the reports of the Congressional Chairmen be accepted. Carried. Miss Ruutz-Rees reported on interview with Mr. Homer Cummings. No encouragement. Mrs. Seton, on account of complications, had not had her interview with Mr. John T. King. Miss Ludington reported on the senators. In reply to her letter to Mr. Brandegee asking for an appointment for a deputation she received the reply that he refused to see such a deputation. She wrote to Mr. McLean who offered to see the delegation in Washington. Arrangements have been made for all the Connecticut delegation of women to the National Convention to meet the members of Congress from Connecticut in Mr. McLean's office at 10 clock on the morning of December 12th. - 3 - Miss Selden reported having assisted with most of the deputations, also a meting Riverside. Miss Bulkley moved that all these reports be accepted. Carried. Miss Ludington said that the National Board had arranged for a petition canvass to be taken up in the State. Mrs. Catt also asked for a number of influential people to sign special petition. List of names of signers of prohibition petition had been suggested and sent. Mrs. Seton moved that the Congressional chairmen be asked to get a minimum of five and a maximum of twenty names to petitions to be sent to Headquarters not later than December 22d. General petition campaign explained by president and state organizer Drive to be carried on in January. It was moved, seconded and carried that the drive on the general petition campaign start in January and be carried on for three weeks. Moved that next board meeting be held on January 2d. Carried. HARTFORD COUNTY REPORT: Miss Bulkley reported that Rocky Hill had asked for a league and that there was to be a meeting there at the home of Mrs. Frederick Shepard on Saturday the 8th. NEW HAVEN COUNTY REPORT: Mrs. Morris reported a tentative plan of keeping headquarters open in New Haven with a paid secretary in the afternoons. The New Haven Equal Franchise League was to hold a luncheon on the day following at which it was hoped that the pledge would be raised. NEW LONDON COUNTY REPORT: Mrs. Austin reported work done in connection with the deputation to Mr. Freeman, telephoning all over the county, etc. FAIRFIELD COUNTY REPORT: Mrs. Rawson reported much good work done by Miss Murray in reorganising the Danbury league, also that Stamford was having monthly meetings in the afternoons with speakers. Efforts are being made in the county to have leagues get ready for actual using of vote. MIDDLESEX COUNTY REPORT: Miss Selden reported for Mrs. Russell that a series of meetings was being held in Middletown under the auspices of the Middletown Equal Franchise League. The one at which Dr. Parker spoke was well attended and the second was planned for the twelfth of December with Mrs. Florence Kelley as speaker. LITCHFIELD COUNTY REPORT: Mrs. Taylor reported that in her county the suffrage women were the leaders of the Home Economics Committees or holding prominent positions on them. Also that the Salisbury League had given over $1000 to the suffrage fund this year. The reports of the county chairmen were accepted. Miss Murray; Fairfield County organizer, reported that she was about to take up the problem of Bridgeport and that she had done little else besides what Mrs. Rawson reported, as she had been back only a short time from the New York State Consign. She reported that she had given war service by speaking for the council of defense. Miss Murray's report was accepted. Mrs. Seton moved that an advisory council of prominent men be formed to aid the C.F.S.A in work for amendment. Seconded, carried. It was moved that each Congressional chairman present to the board at the next meeting five or ten names for this board. Miss Ludington read a letter from Massachusetts about a coffee -4- house at the various camps in that state. The letter asked for assistance in the form of money. There was a discussion of entertainment to raise money. The meeting was adjourned at 4 P.M. Connecticut Woman Suffrage Association HEADQUARTERS: 55-57 PRATT STREET, HARTFORD TELEPHONE CHARTER 6317 MRS. EDWARD PORRITT PRESS SECRETARY 63 TREMONT ST., HARTFORD NEWS BULLETIN CONVENTION NUMBER Series V. No. 1 November 14, 1917. The Forty-Eighth Annual Convention of the C. W. S. A. was held in Hartford, November 7 and 8, 1917. It was a noteworthy convention from several points of view. It was held just as the news came of the triumph of suffrage in New York State and this victory gave a tone of optimism to all the proceedings. There was also a general feeling that the convention was the opening of a new era. There was profound and universal regret over the loss of Mrs. Hepburn and Mrs. M. Toscan Bennett whose resignations had been offered some weeks earlier, but who had been continued in office by the Board until the Convention. But there was also a quickening of interest and of the feeling of responsibility. Every delegate felt that on her as well as on the members of the Executive Board, rested the duty of carrying on the work and of supplying to some extent the places of the leaders who had so bravely borne the weight of responsibility in the past. This feeling showed itself on the second day of the Convention when the pledges of money to carry on the work of the new year were made. The total amount of money pledges from leagues and individuals was $12,418. Among the generous individual pledges were two of $1,000 each from Miss Ludington, one of $1,000 from Mrs. A. Barton Hepburn and one of $1,000 from Mrs. A. Eno Wood. The pledges made by the leagues were as follows:-Greenwich, $1,230; Hartford, E. F. L., $1,100; New Haven E. F. L., $1,100; Middletown E. F. L., $440; Norwich, $330; Ridgefield, $275; New London, $220; Old Lyme E. F. L., $220; Salisbury E. F. L., $160; Stratford W. S. A., $120; Hartford Equal S. A., $110; Hartford E. R. C., $60; Guilford E. F. L., $60; Simsbury E. F. L., $50; Farmington E. F. L., $50; New Haven, P. E. C. Inc., $35; Lyme E. F. L., $35; Niantic, $27.50; West Haven, $27.50; South Manchester, Woodstock, Riverside, Thompson, Deep River, Stamford, Milford, Saybrook, and Norfolk each $25; Mystic, $20; New Britain, $15; Columbia and Granby each $12; Thomaston, Hamden, and Torrington each $11; Andover and Danielson each $10; and Middlefield, $5. If any league pledges are omitted on account of the absence of the delegates from the convention they will be announced in the next News Bulletin. One of the interesting features of the individual pledges was the pledging of Liberty Bonds. This was started by Mrs. Charles A. Goodwin of Hartford who pledged a bond of $100. Her example was quickly followed and a number of these Liberty Bonds are thus being made to work for liberty twice over - by lending the money to the Government and by giving the Bond to the cause of woman suffrage. The first session of the Convention was opened at noon on Wednesday, November 7th with a speech from Mrs. Hepburn, urging loyalty to one's own convictions and loyalty to the cause of woman suffrage. Mrs. M. Toscan Bennett then welcomed the convention to Hartford in the name of the Hartford Equal Franchise League and Mrs. Seton made a gracious reply for the C. W. S. A. The appointment of committees and the reading of the minutes of the Convention of 1916 finished the business of this session. After lunch, which was served in Lower Unity Hall, the convention came promptly to business again a few minutes after two P. M. The whole of the afternoon session was occupied with reports, beginning with that of the Recording secretary. Mrs. Porritt gave a very brief review of the work of the whole year, emphasizing its division into distinct halves. The first of these halves included the legislative work - the strenuous work done by Miss Emily Pierson, by the officers of the Association and by every one of the Leagues to get the suffrage measures through the legislature; and the second being occupied almost entirely with war work. Then followed the reports of the county chairmen. Each chairman was accompanied to the platform by a body guard with banners, consisting of the delegates from her county. The first to report was Miss Mary Bulkley of Hartford County who was accompanied by thirty-nine representatives from her twelve leagues. Mrs. F. C. Spencer followed with her report for New Haven County. She had a body guard of twenty delegates; Miss Katharine Ludington of New London County was accompanied by seventeen representatives of the seventeen leagues in her county. Mrs. Jonathan A. Raw- son, who reported for Fairfield County in place of Miss Ruutz-Rees, was accompanied by 15 delegates; Mrs. Taylor of Litchfield County had sixteen; Mrs. Russell of Middlesex County had fourteen; Miss Rosamond Danielson of Windham County had four and Mrs. Welch of Tolland County also had four delegates with her on the platform. Besides the County Chairman's reports, reports of the league were handed in by the following leagues: - Hartford E. F. L.; Hartford E. S. A.; Unionville E. F. L.; Fairfield Co., Fairfield E. F. L.; New Canaan E. F. L.; Stamford E. F. L.; Ridgefield E. F. L.; Riverside E. F. L.; Stratford W. S. A.; New Haven Co., Guilford E. F. L.; Hamden E. F. L.; Meriden P. E. C.; Madison E. F. L.; Naugatuck E. F. L.; New Haven E. F. L.; New Haven P. E. C. Inc.; Waterbury E. F. L.; Woodbridge E. F. L. New London Co., Groton E. F. L.; Hadlyme E. F. L.; Niantic E. F. L.; Mystic E. F. L. Windham Co., Danielson E. F. L. Litchfield Co., Barkhamstead E. F. L.; Canaan E. F. L.; Salisbury E. F. L.; New Milford E. F. L.; Thomaston E. F. L.; Torrington E. F. L.; Washington E. F. L. Middlesex Co. Deep River E. F. L.; Essex E. F. L. Tolland Co., Andover E. F. L.; Columbia E. F. L. and Hebron E. F. L. Much interest was taken in the report of the Treasurer. Mrs. Bennett reported Total receipts with balance of $1,010.02 from the previous year, $29,933; Disbursements, $29,529.76. Balance, October 31st, 1917, $403.24. Much money had come in after the report had been made up and there were some outstanding indebtedness. The receipts and indebtedness however, just about balanced leaving the slate clean for the coming year. There were reports - all of great interest - from Miss Emily Pierson on Legislative work; from Miss Flanagan as Headquarters Secretary; from Mrs. Porritt as Press Secretary and from Miss Ludington as chairman of the Central War Work Committee. Miss Pierson outlined the work done in the first half of the suffrage year which had resulted in the passage of the amendment to the state constitution through the House of Representatives after the defeat of the Presidential and Municipal suffrage bill and the excise suffrage bill. Miss Ludington's report contained matter which has already been included in the News Bulletin. She outlined the war work done under the direction of the Central War Work Committee from the time of its formation in April, 1917. Some of these reports were made at the session on Thursday morning, before the election of officers. There was also some discussion of the future policy of the C. W. S. A., the general consensus of opinion being evidently in favor of the plan, proposed by Mrs. Seton, of concentrating on support of the Federal Amendment which was to be pushed with all its strength by the National American Woman Suffrage Association. The officers elected for the coming year as follows:- President, Miss Katharine Ludington of Lyme, Vice President, Mrs. Grace Thompson Seton of Greenwich, Treasurer, Miss Mabel Washburn of Hartford, Recording Secretary, Mrs. S. H. Benton of Andover, Corresponding Secretary, Mrs. Annie G. Porritt of Hartford, First Auditor, Mrs. Henry Townshend of New Haven, Second Auditor, Mrs. Jonathan A. Rawson of Riverside, Chairman of Hartford County, Miss Mary Bulkley of Hartford, Chairman of New Haven County, Mrs. Charles G. Morris of New Haven, Chairman of Litchfield County, Mrs. A. E. Scranton Taylor of Norfolk, Chairman of Fairfield County, Miss Ruutz-Rees of Greenwich, Chairman of Windham County, Miss Rosamond Danielson of Putnam, Chairman of New London County, Mrs. Willis Austin of Norwich, Chairman of Middlesex County, Mrs. Samuel Russell, Jr. of Middletown, Chairman of Tolland County, Mrs. Fannie Dixon Welch of Columbia, State Organizer, Miss Daphne Selden of Deep River. It is impossible to give any account of the dinner which was held at the Hotel Garde on Wednesday evening, when Mrs. Bennett was toastmistress and an excellent suffrage speech was made by Mr. Merrill Denison of Toronto who is recently back from ambulance work in France; or of the mass meeting which followed, when Mr. Denison spoke again, and when there were speeches also from Captain Dugmore of the British Army and from Dr. Valeria H. Parker. Dr. Parker emphasized the work that is lying before women and urged all suffrage workers to keep the common goal in view in spite of possible differences of opinion as to methods of suffrage work. Nor is it possible to give the resolutions that were passed at the final session of the convention. These included resolutions of condolence with Mrs. Sykes in the loss of her husband, Dr. Frederick H. Sykes and with the members of Hon. E. J. Hill's family and a resolution urging President Wilson to use his influence in favor of the suffrage amendment. Letter of Resignation of Mrs M.Toscan Bennett. Fenwick,Conn. August 31st,1917. To the Executive Board of the Connecticut Women Suffrage Association: Together with this communication I present my resignation as Treasurer and member of the Executive Board of the Connecticut Women Suffrage Association. I hope that the members of the Board will be able to accept this resignation at once,for I feel that the difference between my convictions and those of the members of the National American Woman Suffrage Association with which out Connecticut Association is affiliated,is so great and is based upon such fundamental matters of principle as to make it impossible for me to continue longer in my present official position. At the risk of being misunderstood,misinterpreted,yes,even misrepresented,as others of my faith have been,I wish to endeavor to set before you the reasons for that faith. I feel that our long association in a common cause makes this encumbent upon me now when our ways seem to lie apart. For years we have worked for the advancement and fulfillment of the reality of democracy. We have all felt that this must of necessity precede any true and lasting betterment of the conditions of our country and of our people,for it has seemed to us that so long as one-half of those people have no share in the control of the government under which they live,democracy was a hollow mockery and human betterment dependent upon the grace of those who tought their own thoughts and perhaps thought them well,but who thoughts were not our thoughts. In increasing numbers each year the men and women of our state and of o our country have been brought to believe in the value of women's possible contribution to the political life and in the justice of her being allowed to participate therein. I assume that all of us have felt that this value and this justice were matters of firm and abiding conviction. To me they were as deep and meaning a part of my life as any other matters of spiritual faith were. To me they seemed of at least as great a practical and immediate importance for realization as any other subjects for which my creed urged me to labor. My position today seems the logical inevitable one based upon my continuing faith. To me the day of the reality of democracy seems as such worth working for as ever. The coming of this calamitous war and our entry into it seems rather to increase,not to diminish the importance of that work. The necessity for women's participation in government seems greater,more immediate. If the welfare of our country and of our people required that women be represented in the solution of peace problems,it requires it still more in the solution of war and after-war problems. Believing as I do,no course appears honorable to me except the one I have adopted. Believing as I do,it is basically impossible for me to continue my official connection with a group whose connection with the National Association Woman Suffrage Association seems to require me to deny the faith that is in me. Believing as I do,I feel spiritually bound to reserve to myself the fight to express freely by speech and action my fundamental convictions. What other work I may feel called upon to perform,I cannot forsake a task which lies so close to my heart,nor abandon to the vituperative epithets of foe and fair weather friend the women whose convictions seem to be as my own. The Washington pickets seem to me to embody the spiritual principle which has been responsible for every great advance in civilisation. They and their association have clung to this faith in spite of every obstacle and hundrance,legal and illegal,which could be raised against them. And now to crown their sacrifices they are being accused of the very crime their inability fo commit which is responsible for their doing what they are doing. "Pro-German traitors,disloyal" are but a few of the names which have been applied to them even by Suffragists. Columny is heard upon them by those who are unable to see that is this very loyalty to their country which compels them to suffer. That the day of the realixation of democracy may soon dawn,not only in Europe but here at home as well they have fought ahad will continue to fight,even as their men will Mrs Bennett's Letter of Resignation concluded: soon be fighting. These women have not the time nor the will to explain. Their acts must speak for them[selves] with those who can see and understand. They have given generously,freely,not alone in the line of pure suffrage work,but in straight war help as well. Those who impugn their motive must do so from ignorance or malice,they cannot or will not understand, and I cannot bring myself to add to their burden even by my silence. zRespectfully yours, Josephine B.Bennett. INTRODUCTORY PARAGRAPH. NEWS From Suffrage Headquarters. Released Thirsday, September 20,1917. The meeting of the Executive Board of the Connecticut Woman Suffrage Association yesterday was memorable for the handing in of the resignations of the President and Treasurer and the choice of successors to hold office until the coming Annual Convention. The cause of the resignation is set forth fully in the accompanying letters from Mrs Hepburn and Mrs Bennett. It was with the greatest regret that the members of the Board received these resignations. The Board has always been notable for its harmonious working and for the mutual affection and esteem of all the members All recognized that there is a common aim both for those who are resigning and those who remain,and there was a full recognition also of the conscientious motives actuating Mrs Hepburn and Mrs Bennett. NOTE--The action of the Board in regard to the choice of successors will be carried by the Associated Press as soon as the meeting is over. A.G.Porritt.Press Sec. NEWS FROM Suffrage Headquarters Hartford. For publication Friday September 21st, 1917. (Do not release earlier) The Central War Work Committee of the Connecticut Woman Suffrage Association has just forwarded to the directors of the County Farm Bureaus the first installment of the contribution of $800 which was promised early in the year. The contribution is towards the salary and expenses of Home home Economics demonstrators,and is being given in the five counties--Hartford,Litchfield,Windham,Tolland, and Fairfield Counties. In New London County the original pledge was $1000 and an installment of sent in this county is $500. In four counti the whole pledge is $800 and half of this sum is now being paid. In Windham County there was difficulty in raising locally a contribution to the work and the Central War Work Committee,rather than see the work fall through assumed liability for an extra $350,making the whole pledge $1150. The cheques were all sent simultaneously from Suffrage Headquarters yesterday accompnied by the following letters:-- 55-57 Pratt St,Hartford,Semtember 9. President County Farm Bureau, Dear Sir: Herewith I hand you our cheque for $400 together with a letter from Miss Katharine Lundington,Chairman of the Central War Work Committee ot the Connecticut Woman Suffrage Association. It gives me great pleasure to contribute to the work of your bureau. Yours faithfully,Josephine B.Bennett. Mr dear Sir:--The Central War Work Committee of the Connecticut Woman Suffrage Association had hoped that by this time we might be able to send the full amount of $400 which we have promised towards the Home Economics Work of Litchfield County. As our entire fund which we are raising for this purpose in the counties of Windham,Litchfield,Fairfield,Tolland,New London and Hartford,is not yet complete,we voted at the last meeting of our committee to send a first installment of $400 immediately,the remainder to be paid in the near future. The Food Conservation and Home Economics work of the Farm Bureau has especially interest the members of our organisation as being a vital and constructive form of war service,and the interest and best wishes of our Association go with the contribution to your work. Very sincerely yours,Katharine Ludington. MRS. EDWARD FORRITT PRESS SECRETARY 63 TREMONT ST. HARTFORD Connecticut Woman Suffrage Association HEADQUARTERS: 55-57 PRATT STREET, HARTFORD TELEPHONE CHARTER 6817 NEWS BULLETIN Series III. No.16. October 20, 1917 The call for the Forty-Eighth Annual Convention of the Connecticut Woman Suffrage Association has already been issued, and the Convention will open in Hartford at noon on Wednesday, November 7th. It will be a most important occasion as regards the future of this great organized body of women. A new president must be chosen, and on this choice rest the fortunes of the Association and the share it will take in the final struggle for woman suffrage which will precede nation wide victory. At the September meeting of the Executive Board, the Board put on record by unanimous vote its choice of Mrs. Seton, the faithful and capable vice-president of the C.W.S.A. since 1910, as President to succeed Mrs. Hepburn. The Board met last Wednesday and at this meeting Mrs. Seton handed in the following letter:-- To the Executive Board of the C.W.S.A. My dear Members:--I take this occasion to express my deep appreciation of your cordial wish to put me in nomination for the presidency of the C.W.S.A. for the coming year. While sincerely appreciating this honor, after deliberation, I feel that it is impossible for me to assume this responsibility this year. I have already undertaken a very heavy amount of work in another direction, which cannot be laid down; while, on the other hand, there are several splendid women who take upon their shoulders and successfully push the work of the Connecticut Woman Suffrage Association. I am willing however to accept the office of Vice- President from the convention, if it so wished; and hereby announce that I shall support and urge the nomination of Miss Katharine Ludington for President of the Connecticut Woman Suffrage Association for the coming year. (signed) Grace Thompson Seton. Miss Ludington, who is here mentioned by Mrs. Seton as her candidate for the presidency, is well known to all Connecticut Suffragists as the Chairman of the Central War Work Committee. Taking up the leadership of the suffrage war work when Miss Ruutz-Rees was obliged to drop it on being selected as head of the Woman's Division of the Connecticut State Council of Defense, Miss Ludington has accomplished two things. She has organized the suffragists of Connecticut for war work; she has enabled them to give most valuable service to the nation in this great crisis of its existence; and she has vindicated the reputation of suffragists for patriotism, making a deep impression favorable to the cause, on many men and women who were formerly indifferent to the demand for votes for women. By her work in organization and in planning war service work, she has shown her capacity for leadership and her fitness for the presidency of the Connecticut Woman Suffrage Association. In reply to inquiries from Mrs. Talor, she states her position in the following letter:-. My dear Mrs. Taylor:--In reply to your inquiry as to my position in regard to the policy of the Connecticut Woman Suffrage Association, I am very glad to say that: (1) I believe the Federal Amendment to be the shortest route to Womanr Suffrage; (2) I cannot subscribe to the present policy of the National Woman's Party in working for the amendmeht; (3) As the C.W.S.A. is a member of the National American Woman Suffrage Association I believe that our policy should be guided by that body, and that we should make a vigorous campaign for the passage of the amendment at the next session of Congress our principal work for the winter. hope that this statement meets the points that you wished made clear. (Signed) Katharine Ludington. As Mrs. Taylor has been Chairman of Congressional Work for the Connecticut Woman Suffrage Association during the past year, she was naturally anxious to know whether the presidential candidate of the Board was ready to take up active congressional work under the leadership of the National Association. The decision of the future policy of the C.W. S.A. will be decided by the Convention on Thursday, November 8th, but Miss Ludington has made clear her position in advance, so that there may be no misunderstanding if the convention chooses her to the presidency. September 20, 1917. Dear League Member: At the meeting of the Executive Board of the Connecticut Woman Suffrage Association held in Hartford on Wednesday, September 19th, the resignation of Mrs. Thomas N. Hepburn as president and Mrs. M. Toscan Bennett as treasurer were presented to the Board. The Board felt that the reasons given were fundamentally sound and with great regret accepted the resignations with the following resolution. RESOLVED THAT we, the Executive Board of the Connecticut Woman Suffrage Association, have received with deep regret the resignations of Mrs. Thomas N. Hepburn, President and Mrs. M. Toscan Bennett, Treasurer of the Connecticut Woman Suffrage Association. In accepting these resignations we wish to make clear that while a difference of conviction as to method has led these officers to resign and the Board to concur in this action, yet the closest sympathy as to fundamental purpose still exists and we shall feel their absence from our active work to be an almost irreparable loss and we welcome the fact that they will remain members of the association while not holding office. As the Constitution provides that the Executive Board shall have power to fill all vacancies caused by death or resignation Mrs. Seton was nominated to succeed as president and unanimously elected. Mrs. Seton however felt that while she was willing to assume the duties and responsibilities of the future conduct of the Connecticut Woman Suffrage Association, she was quite unable to take up the work at the present time. She had engagements in Washington for October which would keep her out of the state. For the present she was obliged to refuse and she suggested that Mrs. Hepburn be asked to resume the office of the president and to serve until the Annual Convention. It was then moved that Mrs. Hepburn and Mrs. Bennett be asked to resume office until the Convention, which will be held in the third week of November and they consented with the understanding that they would under no circumstances be candidates for re-election at the Convention. The Board, feeling unanimously, that woman suffrage is of peculiary vital importance at the present time is preparing a programme of active work for the Federal Amendment which will be presented at the Convention. The National American Woman Suffrage Association is urging this work and support is confidently expected from every league in the state. Mrs.Edward Porritt PRESS SECRETARY 63 TREMONT ST., HARTFORD Connecticut Woman Suffrage Association HEADQUARTERS: 55-57 PRATT STREET, HARTFORD TELEPHONE CHARTER 0617 NEWS BULLETIN Series III. No.14. September 18, 1917. With this number of the News Bulletin goes Mrs. Hepburn's letter of resignation as President of the Connecticut Woman Suffrage Association. It was with the greatest regret and with many expressions of deep affection that the resignation was received by the members of the Executive Board. The relations of the members of the Board have always been most harmonious and characterized by mutual esteem and affection. Mrs. Hepburn has won the admiration of all her colleagues by her magnificent leadership,and a review of the movement of woman suffrage in Connecticut since she first assumed the presidency in 1910 is a sufficient tribute to her work. Along with Mrs. Hepburn,resignation and for much the same reasons,Mrs. M.Toscan Bennett resigned the treasurership of the C.W.S.A. In her letter of resignation she wrote that she could not bring herself to add to the burden of the imprisoned women at Occoquan even by her silence. "These women" she said," have not the time or the will to explain. Their acts must speak for them with those who can see and understand. They have given generously,freely,not alone in the line of pure suffrage work,but in straight war help as well. Those who impugn their motives must do so from ignorance or malice,they cannot or will not understand." This week the Central War Work Committee,through the Treasurer of the C.W.S.A. is sending the first installment of the money pledged to the county farm bureaus for home economics work. The pledges were for $800 in each of the counties of Hartford,Litchfield,Fairfield and Tolland;of $1000 in New London County and of $1150 in Windham County. New Haven Co. already had a home economics worker,and in Middlesex,while the money is being raised by suffragists, it is not being given through the C.W.S.A. Checks for half of each of the pledges were received by the county farm bureaus on Friday of this week. Miss Katharine Ludington,chairman of the C.W.W.Committee has sent a letter to the President of each League asking for further co-operation in war work, and asking the President to call a meeting of the league and lay the work and the appeals for help before the members. In this letter Miss Ludington emphasizes the purpose of the War Work Committee. She describes this purpose as (1) to hold together the suffrage forces of Connecticut by directing their war service,and keeping them in touch with their officers at a time when there is no active suffrage work in the state; (2) To "get across" to the public mind the patriotic character of the Suffrage movement and its attitude toward the war; and (3) to do necessary vital war service. She endorses the appeals of Dr. Parker and Dr. Godfrey for help,and also asks contributions to make up the $5,350 pledges to the farm bureaus of which the first half has just been paid. It is desired that the second check shall be paid by October 1st. Dr. Parker's appeal is for the Soldiers in Connecticut Camps,the work being carried on in co-operation with the Connecticut Society for Social Hygiene, the Y.M.C.A.,Dr. Fosdick's Federal Commission on Training Camp Activities,the National League for Woman'sService,and other agencies. She asked (1) MONEY,for the recreation centers in the camps and to establish a home for girls who may be in need of especial help as a result of the temptations of camp life; (2) HELP,in entertainments, and at the recreation centers in the camps at New Haven,Niantic and New London; (3) VOLUNTEER PATROLS,for the vicinity of the camps to protects girls and report on infractions of the law to Dr. Parker or to the police women who are under her direction. Anyone who can offer and help will please communicate with Dr. V.H.Parker, Room 66, Capitol, Hartford. Dr. Godfrey's appeal is for volunteers to train as nurses. At present there is a call for about 85 young women to enter the various hospitals in the state for the regular training course A further plan is to place about 30 girls of from 21 to 35 years of age in each of the large hospitals to train as nurses's assistants. There will be a probation period of a month,after which those who are proficient will continue the work. The training is to cover a period of six months and will cost the girls nothing. They will not live in the hospitals. Application should be made to Dr. C.C.Godfrey,State Capitol, Hartford. Connecticut Woman Suffrage Association HEADQUARTERS: 55-57 PRATT STREET, HARTFORD TELEPHONE CHARTER 6217 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Mrs. Thomas N. Hepburn PRESIDENT 55-57 PRATT ST., HARTFORD Mrs. Grace Thompson Seton VICE-PRESIDENT GREENWICH Mrs. Edward Porritt RECORDING SECRETARY 63 TREMONT ST., HARTFORD Mrs. Frederick C. Spencer CORRESPONDING SECRETARY GUILFORD Mrs. M. Toscan Bennett TREASURER 55-57 PRATT ST., HARTFORD Mrs. Mary J. Rogers AUDITOR 39 GRISWOLD ST., MERIDEN Miss Mabel C. Washburn AUDITOR 9 GILLETTE ST., HARTFORD Mrs. Elizabeth D. Bacon EX-PRESIDENT (1906-1910) 106 CAPEN ST., HARTFORD Mrs. William T. Hincks EX-PRESIDENT (1911-1913) 152 PARK PLACE,BRIDGEPORT Miss Caroline Ruutz-Rees CHAIRMAN FAIRFIELD COUNTY GREENWICH Miss Mary Bulkley CHAIRMAN HARTFORD COUNTY 924 ASYLUM AVE., HARTFORD Mrs. A. E. Scranton Taylor CHAIRMAN LITCHFIELD COUNTY NORFOLK Mrs. Samuel Russell. Jr. CHAIRMAN MIDDLESEX COUNTY MIDDLETOWN COPY OF THE LETTER OF RESIGNATION ADDRESSED TO THE EXECUTIVE BOARD OF THE CONNECTICUT WOMAN SUFFRAGE ASSOCIATION BY THE PRESIDENT, MRS. HEPBURN, SEPTEMBER 19, 1917. To the Executive Board of the Connecticut Woman Suffrage Association: The time has come when I can no longer continue to be president of the Connecticut Woman Suffrage Association and I herewith send you my resignation. For the past seven years we have worked together and I have come to have a very deep personal affection for the members of the board. It is a great grief to me to realize that if I am to follow my honest convictions I must sever my official relations with you. During the time that we have worked together the C.W.S.A has grown from a small organization to one with over a hundred local branches and 38,00 enrolled members. I like to feel that the hard work and generous contributions, not only of the members of the board, but of the officers and members of our local leagues, are largely responsible for these thousands of converts to the suffrage cause in Connecticut. In the early days of our Association we were entirely independent and could adopt any policy that we believed to be good for the promotion of suffrage but to-day this has all changed. The National American Woman Suffrage Association, of which our Association is a member, dictates our policy and determines all of our essential concerns. I am not protesting against this attitude on the part of the National Association. I believe that they cannot do otherwise. To-day national work is of first importance. Women now vote in nineteen states for president and it is obvious that the shortest way to secure suffrage for all the women of the United States is for suffragists to concentrate on the federal amendment instead of trying to secure the vote through state action. Naturally the National Association feels that it shoul dominate the states in order to ensure a uniform policy within its own organization. The question before us is therefore whether or not we believe in the policies of the National Association. 2. I have reluctantly come to feel that the policy of the National Association in their work for the federal amendment is futile, academic, and out of date. After the last National Convention, held in Atlantic City, I felt pretty hopeless about the ability of the National Association to lead us to victory. The president of the Association made a very fine speech called "The Crisis" in which she said that we must change from academic to political methods, but every practical effort made at the Convention to secure the adoption of any constrictive political policy on the part of the National was frowned upon. This summer the National has lined up with the Anti-Suffragists in their condemnation of the suffrage work which the Woman's Party is doing at Washington, in spite of the fact that this is the most practical work which has been done this summer toward securing the passage of the federal amendment. This carping attitude on the part of the National Association, taken in connection with their own unwillingness or inability to adopt any adequate political policy has made me realize that I cannot consistently serve as president of a state branch of the National Association, notwithstanding my devotion to the Connecticut Woman Suffrage Association. The National Woman Suffrage Association is not the only national association working for woman suffrage. The Woman's Party, a younger and more vigorous body, is devoting all its energies to securing the passage of the federal amendment. While the National Association ignores the women's vote in the West as a lever toward securing the passage of this amendment the Woman's Party asks them to vote against the party that has refused to pass the amendment. I think that the Woman's Party is right and the National is wrong. In fact, the policy of organizing the western women's vote to push through the federal amendment would seem to be the ABC of political methods in any practical attempt to secure the national enfranchisement of women. To-day, more than ever, the importance of woman suffrage is thrown into high relief. England, Russia, and Canada have given women the vote since the war began. With their men gone it is imperative for the women left at home, the only representatives of their families, to have a voice in the government. Both industrially and politically women in war time have to do the work of the men who have gone to the front. Our government should pass the federal amendment at once and take the first step toward giving women the power to protect themselves and their families, but we know that the government will not do this unless those most interested insist upon it. We have gone to war for democracy and yet millions of women in our own country are denied the right to vote, Simply mentioning this fact in suffrage journals and to suffrage audiences is futile. We must say it in such a way that all the world will hear and that is what the pickets of the Woman's Party have done at Washington. My sympathies are all with them. I admire their honesty, their self-forgetfulness, and their practical wisdom. In my opinion it is through such women as these that we shall secure the suffrage in Connecticut by federal amendment. In the future I shall support the Woman's Party. Yours faithfully, Katherine Houghton Hepburn THIS SIDE OF CARD IS FOR ADDRESS Miss Rosamond Danielson, Putnam, Conn. Sept. 4, 1917 Miss Rosamond Danielson Putnam, Conn:- Dear Friend:- I received the enclosed card and the leaflet by C. Ruutz-Rees last month. The Note to the President is well and carefully worded. I like especially paragraph II & IV. But war is such a horrible thing, just wholesale murder, and all the evils that it brings, I can't agree to help that in any way, and I blame our government for every allowing our people to help it with food, money, and munitions of war. I think it wrong to send our men to Europe to fight. So I don't promise anything on the card. I am 72, and broken down by the years of caring for my husband after his mind I AM PREPARED, [IF CALLED UPON] TO DO Agricultural work {Cultivating food crops on my own land, giving time and labor] Clerical Work Typing Stenography Cooking Teaching Cooking Teaching Citizenship Automobile Driving Supervising Managerial Work Organizing Workers (Name any other work you can do) I am prepared to work for pay I am prepared to work voluntarily I am prepared to work hours a day I am prepared to work days a week I am prepared to offer and to care for a room in my house for use as needed. rooms Name Address Tel. No. 6 [*I have [already] not enrolled in the following organizations:*] [*[For the following work:]*] gave out, and trying to carry on the farm work. He died last March; the farm is sold; and I've bought a little house and half acre in Brooklyn village, where I'm doing my share as a good citizen, by caring for myself, and raising garden stuff and flowers, and have a few hens and chickens. Thus I'm helping the food-supply and giving pleasure by my flowers. As an earnest woman suffragist I may find ways to promote that, and temperance work. I take "Woman Citizen" and "Union Signal", and pass them on to the public library. Also "Dumb Animals," and "Connecticut Citizen." I've applied for membership in Brooklyn Grange. I believe in promoting peace, justice, good-citizenship, industry, humanitarianism, by educational means, never by war except for safety when others invade our country or rob or murder here. Eliza Mowry Bliven R.F.D. Brooklyn, Conn. What Is a Materialist? ------- Orthodox preachers will tell you he is a worldly, selfish person and without spiritual and moral qualities, because he has no fear of God and Hell. They paint him as evil, dangerous and accursed. The Universalist pities him because he does not appreciate the goodness of God; and the Spiritualist thinks he cannot be happy without belief in a future life. I am a Materialist. I believe there is no Hell, Heaven, Devil, God nor future life. We knew nothing before we were born and we can know nothing after we are dead. You may say, "Oh, horrid! How can she be good or happy with such a hard, cold belief as that?" Well, I have got to believe facts, whether they are agreeable or not. I have tried to find out the truth. I have studied and compared the different religions, the Bible and nature, astronomy, geology, chemical forces, plant life, animal life, human abilities and physiology, the good and the evils in the world, and I can not find any proof of a future life or of any God. It is all matter, matter, matter; and the forces made by combinations of matter and dispersed by the breaking up of matter. Human life and its reason or soul is only the most remarkable combination of matter, with its resulting forces or abilities; and death of the body as thoroughly destroys these. Do you ask how I can be happy without any hope of a future life? The little child who never thinks of a future existence finds many ways of being happy. Fears of Hell have given as much misery as hopes of Heaven have given joy. You just analyze our happiness and you will find almost the whole of it is material. If we are healthy that is material. The pleasure of eating, that is material. What we see, hear, smell, all are sense-pleasures, and the objects that produce them are all material. We love; it is a live person; that is material. We enjoy flowers, birds, music, the ways of children, pets, new clothes, riding, sight-seeing, conversation, books, all there are material; even the pleasures of memory are about material things. We enjoy making things; it is out of materials. What will there be to enjoy in our future life without eyes, hands, brain of materials? The infant knows little because he has received few brain cells from his mother; but he has all the organs to change food into brain cells. So brain grows, and a thinking, choosing soul grows. Brain and soul may keep growing for forty or more years; when the body becomes too weak to repair the wearing out of brain the thinking weakens; and as the brain decays the person knows less and becomes childish. When the body dies the soul dies also. When tobacco and liquor make the drunkard, his brain and soul are destroyed by his bodily infirmities. For long life, health and enjoyment we must choose healthy foods and habits and avoid the harmful. If there was a God, all powerful and good, he would have made every one wise enough to always choose right; and would never allow wrong choices, suffering, or evils of any kind, to man, beast, bird, or insect; no terrible calamities, destruction by volcanoes, drouths, tornadoes, flood, fires, wars or pestilence; no drunkenness, dishonesty, cruelty, tyranny, nor disease. Every evil proves there is no God. A God would be responsible for every evil; and misguided, faulty man would deserve no punishments. Man is responsible; his choices bring enjoyment or suffering. Did you say a "Creator?" If a God was indeed needed to make the Universe something was first needed to make that God. Could a God make a single atom out of nothing, or change its nature? Every kind of atom always retains its special qualities and attractions, hence, always existed thus. All bodies and forces are continually being made and unmade by the unitings and separatings of these atoms; one combination being destroyed in producing a counter combination; hence the everlasting, never-created Universe is eternally changing. An atom cannot help doing as it does. It cannot think nor choose. Living things alone have power of choice or soul, while they live. When I am all worn out, and cannot enjoy material things, I am going to die and stop suffering, and return to atoms; but while I live I mean to enjoy material, beneficial, happyfying surrounding, and help others to. That is my Materialism. Is the Materialist worldly and selfish? Is he less moral than the Christian because he has no God nor Hell to fear? If we wrong any one we have to fear our fellowmen and their punishments; we lose their confidence, their co-operation, their friendship; and our chances for happiness become very limited, our troubles very numerous. The use of our abilities, all our happiness, and success in life depend on the good will and good conduct of those around us, which we must win by being unselfish, wise, moral, and every way noble ourselves. Hence, the Materialist is fully as good as the Orthodox Christian. We do not appreciate the goodness of God; but we do appreciate the goodness and abilities of mankind, and everything beneficial in Nature. Mankind, unaided by any God-power, has himself wonderfully developed his own abilities, and accomplished marvelous things. We have to study Nature, to select the good from the bad, and we thoroughly appreciate the wonderful variety we find, and the enjoyment and health we get therefrom. Those who enjoy thinking about a future life and imagined communion with Spirits, Christ of God, waste much time thus, and lose that amount of the real enjoyments and activities of life. They fail in knowledge and appreciation of Nature's wonders and laws, and the abilities and deeds of their fellowmen and women; they fail in doing their full share in the world's work, and in co-operation for the general welfare. Prayers shirk hard tasks, believing their God will do them. When Humanitarian Materialism is taught thoroughly in every church, Sunday School, and newspaper, mankind will learn to be better, nobles, more capable, more appreciative, more self-controlled, healthier, wiser and happier. ELIZA MOWRY BLIVEN. Brooklyn, Conn. Price, 20 copies, 10 cents. PRAYING. LESSON FOR CHILDREN. Little Helen was visiting her cousin. Josie kneeled beside their bed, with her hands together and eyes shut. Hele asked, "What were you doing?" "Praying, of course; don't you pray?" replied Josie. "No. What is it for?" "Why, asking God to take care of me, help me be good, and thanking him for everything." "I didn't see any God. He couldn't hear you, you whispered so low." said Helen. "He is everywhere, hears everything, and sees everything we do. You are awful wicked if you don't say your prayers. God will make you sick and die, and send you to that bad place to suffer forever." Helen was frightened; she could not sleep; she thought big eyes were everywhere watching her, and big fingers coming to choke her, and she did not enjoy her visit. When she got home she told her mother about it. Her mother said: "I read to you about fairies and ghosts, were they true?" "O no! only stories," said Helen. "We walked in the night by the woods, the swamp, and grave-yard, and heard only owls, crickets, and frogs, - real live things." "When birdie and kitty died, they decayed into dirt. Just so, all animals, trees, and people die; know nothing and can't suffer. The Bible and all about God are stories. There isn't any God, so praying is foolish. We take care of ourselves to not get hurt or sick. We work, and do right to help others be happy." Helen believed her mother and was glad. Julia and Ralph's mother taught them to ask God to forgive everything they said or did wrong. It became a habit. It was easy to pray and have all wrong doings wiped out. Praying made them God's children. They were going to Heaven; folks who didn't pray couldn't get there. In the Bible, God's chosen people sinned awfully, but God blessed them. So the children did whatever they liked, heedless of harm. Conscience and self-control did not grow; self-conceit and selfish wrong-doing grew. Fred and his mother did not pray, but every evening had a talk about the day's doings; what he or others had done or said that harmed, were wrong; which words and acts were good or helpful. No use to pray; that cant't undo harm; so sins can't be forgiven. These talks with mother kept Fred learning what is right and wrong, self-control from vices, worry, fret, and quarrels; helping others do right, keeping healthy, happy and kind. FOR YOUNG PEOPLE. Ray went with Luke to a prayer meeting. Luke had been taught to pray and believe the Bible. Ray had been taught to study nature and think. On the way home Luke said: "How much we should appreciate God's providing care--food for us and all animals; shelter, raiment, and all the wonderous bounty and the beauties of nature. We are helpless without God, and should pray to him and praise and obey him." Ray answered: "The world is full of numberless variety of things; more weeds and poisonous plants than such as are wholesome for food; more kinds of savage beasts and destructive insects, than kinds useful to man; deserts, mountains and frozed lands are not fruitful soil; two thirds of the earth's surface covered with a waste of briny waters; storms, conflagrations, frosts, droughts, earthquakes, volcanoes, diseases, etc., overbalance conditions of health and peace; and naughty tricks and horrible crimes as common inhuman nature as honesty and kindness. It would require millions of gods and devils to provide special protecting care and destroying power for every plant, insect, animal, and man, on earth, not to mention probably countless other similar inhabited worlds in the universe. I think every living thing has to look out for itself, its progeny, and friends,--choose the safe and nutritious, and avoid or destroy harmful things and conditions. We have an abundance of food, because man selects and cultivates food-producing plants and animals and destroys the weeds and harmful insects and animals. Prayer never plows, cooks, weaves, nor builds, but wastes time and energy. It makes people rely on an imagined Helper's providing for necessities and protecting from evils, instead of cultivating self-reliance, knowledge of nature, and industry. Wisdom and work wins; prayer and faith wait for help and lose. We are not dependent on any God. We have no proof there is any God. Prayers are not answered unless we or others or nature do the things asked for. Praying cannot change nature's doings. Nature's doings are not guided by a God; but the forces of the atoms make them combine and separate, according to the temperature and attractive forces of surrounding matter; thus atom forces produce all motions, all changes, growth, decay, health, diseases, life and death. Chemistry teaches this. We get our rewards and punishments in this life, for everything that we do,--physical results from nature's laws; others from our fellow mortals for our good or bad behavior toward them. Priests preach God, Devil, Purgatory, praying, make you confess, and claim to forgive sins, just to keep you afraid and get your money. CAUSES AND RESULTS. Before civilization, the strongest and most brainy men became chiefs; the others had to serve, praise and beseech them to protection. Ignorant of scientific facts, they thought the sun, storm-clouds, animals, trees, etc., had intelligence like their chiefs, and that gifts and prayers to them might win favors and avert evils. Storytellers invented ghosts, demons, angels, and gods, which the ignorent and superstitions believed. Gods were multiplied, images carved, and praying became popular. Some pretended to see and converse with Gods and obtain special favors for people. These became priests. Then every nation had its special gods, priests, sacrifices, and worship. But some studied the facts and laws of nature. Astronomy, geology, chemistry, physiology, gradually uprooting supernaturalism, have reduced the gods to one. Between 325 and 321, Constantine and his Council of 325 Bishops compiled the Bible. Claiming they were ordained to bring all mankind into the church and punish all its enemies, the Christians denounced as Heretics all who would not believe their Bible and worship its God. They persecuted and killed many millions by fire, sword, dungeon, crusades, inquisition and terrible tortures, during 1000 years, between the 5th and 15th centuries, called the Dark Ages. Printing was invented in 1420. Before that, books were hand written and few. No books, newspapers, nor schools for the masses. All were ignorant and superstitious, slaves to priests and kings. The Reformation and Protestantism were stated in the 15th century. This separation from pope and Catholicism, divided the Christians into bitter enemies, who persecuted, tortured burned, and killed each other in terrible wars. They still pray and denounce each other. Christians executed 9,000,000 as witches between 1430 and 1777. Printing, free schools, sciences, inventions, industries, commerce, and the ballot, have evolved intelligence; but priests, preachers and women, like superstitious ignorant savages, continue to pray. Public praying leads the people to believe in God and pray. Unanswered petitions make many fearful, discouraged; some become insane, suicide, or desperate and vicious. Others meekly pray, bear ill-treatment, suffering, etc., expecting future-life blessings, instead of developing abilities to protect themselves and secure happiness here. Investigation brings reformation. Abolish preaching, praying, hymns, and creeds. Instead bring all people into the churches with music and songs. Have lectures, readings, discussions, to teach everybody scientific facts, self control from wrong doing, mutual helpfulness, good citizenship, knowledge and wisdom for healthy happiness. People read their prayer books by rote, or indulge in praying as a fashionable practice.--Tabor. No intelligent person expects to get his "daily bread" in answer to prayer. The millions who ask it are constantly engaged in some bread-winning occupation. To depend on prayers for food would mean speedy starvation and death. Praying wastes time.--Hodge. No supernatural force ever saves life or brings relief to agonized prayers of shipwrecked people, or in any calamity. Imagination created God.--Severance. Shrewd men see praying wins respect, confidence, and coveted positions. By hypocritical piety they shield their rascality, and prosper in speculations, politics, traducing women, etc. Their prosperity, and like Bible deeds, make hypocricy and wronging others appear sage and popular; hence many follow their examples. Expecting God to punish. lets evil-doings flourish.--E. M. B. Civilization is not the product of prayer nor God-given; but brain-born and muscle-made, the result of observation, growth of intellect, investigation.--Halloway. Science has subdued Steam and Electricity. Sanitation has done more in 50 years to prolong life, than theology did in 18 centuries. --Casson. Praying is silly, useless, degrading. It enslaves the mind to superstition, prevents investigation, prostrates intelligent people level with the ignorant. All Gods are brutal, and their worshipers partake of their nature.--Randall. Wishes, prayers, and curses, amount to the same, only differently expressed. Neither does any good nor harm, unless a human being does something which benefits or harms somebody.--Maud V. Warfield. Prayer makes man look for help by miracle; this cripples their efforts. It is useless to pray for wisdom, knowledge, and goodness, for these virtues are acquired through long effort.--Mangassarian. Patience, peace, resignation to losses, self control, perseverance, and other virtues, usually claimed as results of prayer, are but growth in the directions desired, from persistent self culture. The best way to stop humanity from praying is to convince them there is no God, no ears to hear.--Wettstein. Progress stands erect and thinks. The time to be happy is now; the place to be happy is here. There is one sin--selfishness.--Ingersoll. The World is my Country. To do good is my religion.--Paine. 20 copies 10 cents. Eliza Mowry Bliven, Brooklyn, Conn. ARE YOU A HUMANITARIAN? BY ELIZA MORY BLIVEN. Humanitarian means betterment of human beings. You and I and everyone should help. We should all be Searchers, Teachers, and Doers of the Beneficial. HUMANITARIANS' FIVE MORAL LAWS I. Learn to do right and help others to do right. II. Doing that which harms ourselves or others is wrong. III. Search out the causes of good and evil for wisdom to choose the beneficial. IV. Wrong choices are follies, greed, vices and crimes; and these bring diseases, work, ugliness, injustice, wars, enemies, poverty and other miseries. V. Right choices are virtues; they bring self-control, peace, health, long and useful life, wisdom, friends, justice, industry, prosperity and happiness. PROPOSED HUMANITARIAN SUNDAY SCHOOLS In the common schools, children are taught reading, and many things to make intelligent, capable citizens, but are not properly taught to know which is beneficial, hence often choose the harmful. Young people want to grow up to be smart, likely, healthy, happy men and women. They do not want to become diseased, poor, lazy, or drunkards, thieves or murderers. Such people were once children, but did not learn to choose the right and reject the wrong. Most of the crimes, vices, poverty and unhappiness of mankind are due to ignorance of the real physical and social causes of evils. Hence, what all ages most need is to learn the causes and results-- what is beneficial and what brings evils, so as to know what to choose; that right choices will bring right physical, mental and moral development and evolve the highest type of citizen--active in promoting the "general welfare,"--and rapidly reduce many kinds of evils. How can people learn to choose right and avoid evils? This is the great question of all ages, peoples and religions. Yet everyone helps to solve a part when he learns to avoid any evil. "Experience is a dear schoolmaster, but fools will learn from no other." "The burnt child dreads the fire." All should study the doings of people and results of their acts, and search out the causes of both good and bad results. How did this one develop his abilities, or keep healthy or happy? How did the other become diseased, miserable, incompetent, or dishonest? When many compare their searchings, they pile up evidence to show which choices are beneficial and which harmful; hence discussions are helpful. We should study physiology, chemistry, geology, astronomy, physics and other branches of science, for causes in nature. We should study works on ethics, sociology, history, biography, and philanthropy, written by searchers for helps toward right choices, But these are not taught, to any adequate extent, to the masses. Instead, the churches teach penitence and worship, the schools teach arithmetic, and newspapers teach the latest news. Those whose abilities and opportunities have made them competent, should each choose some question which perplexes and misleads people, and search out thoroughly and persistently the causes, results and proofs; then prepare suitable brief lessons or lectures to convince and guide people into the right. When and where should this teaching be done? Everywhere that there is opportunity, but especially through newspapers, leaflets, broadcast, and in Sunday schools. Most people must work on weekdays for food, clothing, etc., but the choice of a large majority of the people is for rest from physical labor on Sundays; those are the only free days most people have. How can they make Sundays harmless, most beneficial and most enjoyable--the most welcome and happiest best day of the week? Does saloon visiting or church worship suffice? Prohibiting of saloons and vices is denounces as tyrannical, though these rob the people of property, health and abilities. All should help provide such attractive, instructive, beneficial, Sunday meetings that all will choose to attend and be taught to avoid evils guided in the development of all useful abilities and made happy by music, singing, cordial social intercourse, and the chance to help others. Such meetings are the surest and best means to stop evils-- vices, saloons, etc., and to promote morality, industry, and good citizenship and human advancement. When all thinking people help to build up such beneficial Sunday meetings, every church, hall and school-house will be filled every Sunday and all the people become eager to learn and help on this betterment of humanity. Everyone, young or old, should share in making these meetings successful. Select "best things" found in any newspaper or book to read or recite. Selections must be short, and each should try to do something well. Thus each would have a chance to improve and at the same time interest and benefit others; even the little children would be Humanitarian teachers. A question box may be passed around every Sunday; easy questions answered, doubtful ones discussed or laid over for searching out or future discussion. Abilities are developed by using them; to excel, we must keep up our efforts to help. Short lessons in singing, elocution, hygiene, nature-study, morality, and good-citizenship should be taught by competent specialists. Nature-study is important because we all eat, wear, have everything about us and ourselves, are nature's materials. All inventions, discoveries, arts and occupations, are use of nature's materials. Study of nature's laws reveals facts that overthrow errors, teaches what to choose for health, and what to avoid; furnishes causes, reasons, and all scientific knowledge. Ignorance of nature's laws is the cause of disease, vices, creeds and superstition. Morality and good-citizenship are relations among mankind which promote peace, industry, justice, philanthropy and happiness. Surely these are all important, and ought to be promoted by being taught every Sunday. Those whose teachings or writings benefit humanity, those who help others do right, no matter what their church or religion, should be considered as fellow-workers, or Humanitarian teachers, and we should co-operate with them in promoting the beneficial. When people are taught causes and results so as to know what is beneficial and what detrimental, their choice will be, "To do right and help others to do right." Then the benefitted people will become a world-encircling Humanitarian Brotherhood. When people come to understand the causes of evils, they will never give or accept "treats" of anything harmful. For evenings they may invent harmless social amusements, and use churches and club rooms for lectures, concerts and numerous beneficial and joy-making enterprises. When thoroughly awakened they will stop evil resorts, saloons, etc., to protect the weak-minded from temptation. But those who would be glad to assist in such Humanitarian Sunday Schools, now live far apart, feeling lonely and incapable. We should band together, cultivate our abilities, write suitable Lessons, and have them printed in every newspaper possible; this would distribute them broadcast. We need numerous capable lesson-writers, to secure variety and an excellent new lesson every week. If the Lessons are brief, interesting, practical, and convincing, mothers and teachers will like them and use them. The benefit to the users would make them popular, so the people would favor the Humanitarian Lessons in their Sunday Schools in place of the less beneficial bible-teachings. We should not wait for such printed Lessons. Start such Sunday Schools first, to make the demand for best practical Lessons. A parent or teacher and two or more children can meet one hour every Sunday for readings, recitations, singing, and talks on beneficial subjects, every one helping with the best he can find. This humble start may grow into a large school if properly conducted. Each would be constantly learning to avoid the harmful, choose the beneficial, and make the most and best of life. Encouragement and due praise will stimulate effort. Beginning right when young, good habits are formed for life. But churches continually teach the bible, praying, hymns, submissively bear misfortunes and diseases, prepare for a future life, rely on God to bring about everything needed. Thousands of capable, thoughtful people who doubt miracles, the bible God, and future life, uphold preaching and bible-lessons as "better than nothing." Common-schools, High-schools, and many Colleges teach facts and science, instead of religion, because parents want their children taught to become intelligent and prosperous. Every High-school graduate is capable of giving instructive, beneficial Lectures such as the masses need on Sundays. Give the young people a chance to use their learning to benefit the people. The High-school should fit them for this. But Scientific Sunday Lessons and Lectures will be barred out by all churches till the people find out that the bible is only a big story-book, and there is no God, no one to forgive sins, nor answer prayers, and no future life. Hence Materialism must first be taught; and Materialists must band together till numerous and popular enough to start practical Humanitarian Sunday Schools and Lectures everywhere and convince people how morality, health good- citizenship and happiness can be best secured. Such Materialist meetings every Sunday will draw the people, till frightened empty churches will have to adopt the same, and abandon bible-preaching and praying. Then Publication Houses will vie with each other to secure the best Lectures, Lessons, and Songs, from the ablest talent in the world The people will want a Lecture on a different subject, by a different Lecturer every Sunday. Publication Houses to obtain such, will pay liberally enough to encourage talent; and print plenty in pamphlet form, so every church, country school-house, and lone dweller, can get a first-class Lecture, Lessons, and Song for 25 cents a week, and no preacher to pay. Their best elocutionist can deliver the Lectures. Are you a Humanitarian? Help toward this. MRS. EDWARD PORRITT PRESS SECRETARY 68 TREMONT ST., HARTFORD Connecticut Woman Suffrage Association HEADQUARTERS: 55-57 PRATT STREET, HARTFORD TELEPHONE CHARTER 6217 NEWS BULLETIN Series 111. No.12. August 15th, 1917 During the summer of 1917 the energies of Suffragists all over Connecticut have been chiefly directed to war service, and the most important Committee of the Connecticut Woman Suffrage Association has been the Central War Work Committee. The record of the work of this Committee has been given month by month in the New Bulletin. At the meeting of the Committee on August 6th the various lines of work undertaken by it last April were reviewed and the work for the future mapped out. Following is a summary of completed work:-- In April, Mrs. Fannie Dixon Welch of Columbia, Chairman of Tolland County offered through the Committee, forty acres of land to the Farm Bureau of her County. This land was accepted, and offered to the women of the town for cultivation. Several of the suffragists took plots and have cultivated them successfully. Some of the land has been used by Boy Scouts, and other organizations. In response to the offer of services, the Connecticut Council of Defense called for clerical help which was supplied from Suffrage Headquarters. Women helped in the work of taking and tabulating the military census and requests for help have been received up to as recently as last week. In New Haven the Equal Franchise League aided in the recruiting campaign, supplying service, clerical work and speakers. In Bridgeport Miss Grace Murray did peculiarly good work in speaking at the recruiting meetings. Liberty Bonds were sold at Suffrage Headquarters and also by the officers of many of the local leagues, and a letter was sent out to all the leagues in the state urging their members to buy bonds through the C.W.S.A. The C.W.W.C. arranged for the distribution of President Wilson's war speech on the day that the men registered for military service. In some towns the speech was successfully distributed. In others it did not arrive in time from Washington, and the women afterwards distributed the leaflets, either by mail or in other ways. In some towns the distribution was undertaken through churches, schools and patriotic meetings. The work of the C.W.S.A.in encouraging the production and conservation of food is so well known that it does not need detailed description. Canning demonstrations, and community canning centers are still being carried on. The Committee in all this work is cooperating with the County Farm Bureaus. In New London County and in Middlesex County offers of $1000 to help the Farm Bureaus to support home economics demonstrators were made and accepted. In Tolland, Windham, Harford, Litchfield and Fairfield Counties the Committee offered $800 to each Farm Bureau towards the expenses of home economics demonstrators--an offer which was later modified to include salary or expenses. These offers of $800 have been accepted in Fairfield, Hartford, Litchfield and Tolland Counties. In Windham Co. there has been some delay owing to the difficulty experienced in raising the balance of the money. An informal offer has been made by the Chairman of the War Work Committee to undertake the raising of $350 more, that was needed to complete the fund. As yet the outcome in Windham County is not certain. To raise the necessary money the County Chairmen have asked contributions from the suffrage leagues and from individuals. In Windham County Mrs. W,J, Bartlett has undertaken the raising of the money, under the direction of the Central War Work Committee. The response in many cases has been most gratifying; and to raise the balance it was planned to hold a new form of sale--the Sacrifice Sale. The first of these sales was held in Bridgeport at Mrs. Heft's. Contributions of jewelry, silver, paintings, bric-a-brac, and needlework were sent in and nearly $700 was raised. Another Sacrifice Sale will be held at the Mohican Hotel, New London, on August 24th. This will be a most interesting sale as a large number of antiques and other very valuable articles have already been promised. Further contributions are earnestly desired, and it is requested that every one who can will attend the sale which will be continued from 2 to 10 p.m. The women of Connecticut may not have the vote, yet, but they do now possess a real weapon with which to fight the vicious interests that have always opposed them in every endeavor to better their own condition and that of their fellow women. They have it in their power to clean up the state and keep it clean. They can produce a situation which will ensure women from being forced into the worst form of slavery, prostitution. One form of the exploitation of women can be stopped at once for all time. Heretofore it has been up to the men alone, for women, having no voice in government, had no direct power of control over those responsible for the morals of the community. Now all that is changed, and if the women will, they can close every house of prostitution in the state and keep them closed. What is more, they can get at the very ones who are fundamentally responsible, the ones to whom all the money in the horrible business has ultimately gone,- the property owners-,who by assuming ignorance, but at the same time charging exhorbitantly high rents, have squeezed the last penny out of these unfortunate women. And all the time, many of the property owners have held their heads high in the community and posed as honest, highly-to-be-respected citizens. The General Assembly of Connecticut, at its 1917 session, actually passed the Injunction and Abatement Law. (Public Acts, 1917, Chap. 362.) It is a real reform law, and has teeth. It is practical, workable, and means business. When Congress passed a similar law for the District of Columbia, the keepers of the houses in Washington simply gave up without a struggle. They throw up their hands, closed the houses and quit. But there had been publicity a-plenty and a hot fight in Washington, whereas, in this state, there was very little publicity and the bill was passed comparatively quietly so that the keepers of the houses do not know what they are up against. In fact, many of the citizens of the state do not yet realize what a power for good has been placed in their hands. What is wanted now is publicity and the finest, quickest way to get it is to start a few prosecutions under the new law. Any citizen of the state, man or woman, can start proceedings at any time, whether the court is in session or not. The only restriction is that the proceedings must be against a house of prostitution situated in the same county of which the person is a citizen. No costs are taxable against the person starting proceedings unless "the court finds there was no reasonable grounds or cause for such action", and the law expressly provides that the house of prostitution shall be deemed to be a nuisance and "the general reputation of the place shall be admissible for the purpose of proving the existence of such nuisance and shall be prima facie evidence of such nuisance and of knowledge and participation therein on the part of the owners, lessors, lessees, users and all then in possession thereof, or having charge of as agent or otherwise, or having any interest in any property used in conducting and maintaining such nuisance". The building can be closed for one year against any use whatsoever and a penalty lien of $300.00 is put on the place which is collectable like a tax. All personal property is forfeited and sold. Ten per cent of the penalty and of the proceeds of the sale is paid to the attorney who carries on the proceedings. Here is a real opportunity for the women of state. Will they be alive to that opportunity? M. TOSCAN BENNETT [?] [?] [?] [?] Headquarters Hartford. Released Friday July [?] The Executive Board of the Connecticut Woman Suffrage Association will hold its July meeting next week at Fenwick, at the summer cottage of Mrs George H. Day. It is expected that there will be a full attendance, for the officers of the Association, instead of dispersing to distant points as frequently happens in the summer,have almost all reamined in Connecticut in order to deny through various forms of war work and suffrage activity. The Control War Work Committee is proving its usefulness in a new way. It is acting as a channel of information between the Food Committee and Miss Sprague and the suffrage leagues which are interested in food conservation. Last week it sat its workers on the task of copying and sending out instructions concerning the canning of strawberries. The directions were copied and despatched within a few hours after reaching the Chairman of the Committee. Swift and efficient work is certainly characteristic of the organization created by the Suffragists. Had the directions reached the committee earlier they would have been in the hands of the women who could use them at the beginning rather than near the end of the strawberry season. A request has been received from Miss Rose Dwyer, the expert on meningitis and nerve shock, for jellies and jams for use in France. Miss Dwyer has been asked by the Federal Government to undertake a mission to France to work among the soldiers and civilians who are suffering from nerve shock. She writes that the most important food in these cases is sugar, and that without sufficient sugar there can be little hope of recovery. The cases are not alone among the soldiers. They include very many pitiful cases among the children of the ravaged regions of France. Miss Dwyer can secure the transportation of the jelly and jam to France, and she asks that each woman, in putting up these preserves should set aside a jar for those pitiful cases of nerve exhaustion and nerve shock. Women having jam or jelly to donate can either take or send it to Suffrage Headquarters in Hartford, or if this is inconvenient they can communicate with the chairman of their county or the president of the nearest equal suffrage league and some plan for the collection of such jams and jellies will be devised and carried through by the Control War Work Committee. RACE BROOK FARM CAMP FOR WOMEN OBJECT Several acres of farm land are being planted under the auspices of the Central War Work Committee of the Connecticut Woman Suffrage Association for the training of young women in practical agriculture and to increase and conserve the food supply of the country. LOCATION The farm is on the Race Brook Estates between Derby and New Haven on Derby Avenue. Cars pass the door every fifteen minutes. Telephone connection, 5 cents from New Haven and Derby. Number, Orange 21-15. TRAINING A branch of the Woodcraft League organized by Ernest Thompson Seton will be formed with Miss Lena Miller as instructor. Four thousand young people in America are already being given useful, systematic instruction in life in the open through this league. The New Haven County Farm Bureau will supervise the work, and lessons will be given on farm problems. TERMS Realizing the world wide need for food and the desire of women to aid in this crisis we offer this opportunity for combining patriotic work with self-help. The average cost of board and room at present high prices would be nine dollars a week. We are asking twenty hours of work a week in field and house and $4.00 dollars in cash, which would be the equivalent of pay at the rate of twenty-five cents an hour. It is especially hoped that teachers, trained nurses, stenographers, and other business women doing indoor work during the winter months will spend their vacations at the camp. Applications should be made to Mrs. B. L. Mott, 263 Crown St., New Haven, Conn, Chairman of Committee for the Race Brook Farm Camp for Women. A SUFFRAGE SACRIFICE SALE will be held in New Haven, on the grounds of Mrs. J. Hillhouse's home on Hillhouse Ave., for the purpose of raising funds for the War Work now being carried on by the Central War Work Committee of the C.W.S.A. You are asked to contribute something to this Sale which will be a real sacrifice for you to make. Donations of new articles are also requested. (Suggestions) Jewelry, silver, parasols, rugs, books, cushions, garden and porch furniture, pillows, gowns, furs, pictures. Articles may be sent to Mrs. Josepha Whitney, 188 BIshop St., New Haven. Sale will be held as soon as possible. The Second Fairfield County Suffrage Convention will be held on Wednesday, June 27th at the home of Mrs. John Adams Thayer, Longlands, Westport, Conn. You are cordially invited to come and discuss with us how we, as suffragists, can serve our country to the best advantage in the present crisis. The Convention will be called to order at 11:00 A.M. Miss Ruutz-Rees, County Chairman, presiding. Address of Welcome, Mrs. Frank McLaury Reports of Secretary, District Leaders, Leagues and Organizer. Luncheon at Turnpike Tea House at 1 o'clock 75 cents. Afternoon session 2 o'clock. Speakers, Mrs. Thomas N. Hepburn, "Duty" Mrs. M. Toscan Bennett, "Democracy Begins at Home". Miss Grace Murray, "Our Suffrage Situation". Mrs. Edward Porritt, "Woman and Patriotism". Miss Ruutz-Rees, "Women's Responsibilities in War Time". Kindly send in your reservations for Luncheon tickets at once to Mrs. Lawrence Mazzanovitch, Westport. 2 D HARTFORD, CONN. 1917 2 D U.S. POSTAGE 1 CENT 1 Miss Rosamond Danielson, Putnam, Conn. MRS.EDWARD PORRITT PRESS SECRETARY 63 TREMONT ST., HARTFORD CONNECTICUT WOMAN SUFFRAGE ASSOCIATION HEADQUARTERS: 55-57 PRATT STREET, HARTFORD TELEPHONE CHARTER 6217 NEWS BULLETIN. Series III.No.11. June 14, 1917. The most important activities of the C.W.S.A. for the last month have been in connection with war service,and have been carried on under the direction of the Central War Service Committee of which Miss Ruutz-Rees is chairman. Last week Miss Ruutz-Rees with a number of the members of the Committee and many other active suffragists attended the first of a series of courses in canning which are being given at Storrs. There were 74 women in all taking the course,of these 45 were avowed suffragists and most of the others were favorable. Among the Suffragists were Miss Ruutz-Rees,Miss Katharine Luddington,Mrs. Samuel Russell Jr, Mrs. Elon H. Hooker and Mrs. Rousmeniere,Mrs. W.H.Gillespie,Mrs. E.R.Newell,MissEmil Whitney,Mrs.Vanamee and Mrs. C.E.Pratt, of Essex,Mrs. H.W.Fleck and Mrs Sara J Grant of Bridgeport,Mrs. L.F.Middlebrook and Mrs. A.S.Hopkins of Hartford,Miss Mary Wellen,Miss Mary Shannon,Miss Daphne Selden,Mrs. Hope W. Littlefield,Mrs. A.T. Faxon,Miss M.I. Dosch,Miss F.M.Luce,Mrs. J.H. Stivers,Miss G.G.Gilbert,Mrs.J.R.Gleason,Mrs.W.J.Bartlett,Mrs.A.C.James, Mrs. H.W.Hurlbutt,Miss Grace Murray,Miss Anna W.Willing,Mrs.A.E.S.Taylor Miss Rosamond Danielson and Miss Catharine Flanagan. This week Miss Mary Bulkley, Miss Katharaine Bennett and many other suffragists are attending. One of the features of the course was a suffrage meeting informally arranged by Miss Ruutz-Rees. This became a kind of experience meeting in which short speeches were made by a number of those present. So much enthusiasm was aroused that a collection was taken up which realized $11.45--to be devoted to suffrage war work. Miss Ruutz-Rees,for the Central War Service Committee has announced that if there is any league from which no member can attend the course without such assistance,the Committee will defray the expenses of a member who can afterwards undertake canning demonstrations for the league. The sale of Liberty Bonds and Military relief work in co-operation with the Military Relief Committees of the Red Cross are two forms of War Service work that have been taken up during the last few weeks by the War Service Committee. A Sacrifice Sale to raise money for the work will be held in July,the date and place to be announced later. The sale Committee chairman is Mrs. E.B.Whitney, of New Haven, and an appeal is made to every Suffragist in the state to send some article of value--something the giving of which will be a real sacrifice--to the committee for the sale. On June 3rd,a luncheon was given to welcome Miss Farnam home after her absence in the West. It was held in the Center Church House in New Haven and Miss Ludington and Miss Emily Pierson spoke. June 4th was the date of a meeting in Waterbury at Mrs. Thorpe's tea room,when Mrs. Spencer was one of the speakers. The following day there was a meeting of the Guilford Equal Franchise League at the home of Mrs. Spencer at Guilford. On June 1st the Saybrook Equal Franchise League held a meeting at the home of Mrs. John Allen,at which Mrs. Porritt spoke. The Bridgeport Equal Franchise League has been giving a series of demonstrations in food conservation,the first of which was held on May 23rd. These demonstrations have been highly popular. At the first the assembly room of the Sanford House was packed to standing capacity. Miss Sprague,head of the Economic Dept. at Storrs conducted the demonstration. On May 24th,the Simsbury E.F.L. held a highly successful meet ing in the Casino with Rabbi Wise as speaker. Mrs. Bridge presided,and there was a large attendance. The Falls Village E.F.L. is devoting its energies to Red Cross Work and the work for the French orphans. The Danielson E.F.L. is repeating this summer the highly successful suffrage concerts that were held last year. The first concert was made possible by the gift for $25 from the Vice-president of the Conn. Mills of that town. The Newtown E.F.L. is making a special study of the local schools. It is also contributing literature for the use of the soldiers. The Andover E.F.L. is offering for sale a number of tempting conserves, pickles and jams,for which orders can be sent in at any time,and the goods will be delivered when ready. Connecticut Woman Suffrage Association HEADQUARTERS: 55-57 PRATT STREET HARTFORD TELEPHONE CHARTER 6217 MRS. EDWARD PORRITT PRESS SECRETARY 63 TREMONT ST., HARTFORD June 21, 1917. IX The ninth regular meeting of the Executive Board of the C.W.S.A. was held at Suffrage Headquarters, Hartford, June 20th, Mrs T.E Hepburn in the chair. The meeting was called to order at 11.40 a.m. The members of the Board present were Mrs Hapburn, Mrs Seton, Mrs Seton, Mrs Russell, Miss Ludington, Miss Mrs Spencer, Miss Mulkley, Miss Runtz-Rees and Mrs Porritt. Miss Seldon and Mrs Allen were also present. Mrs Hepburn asked for the suspension of the order of business in order to bring a special matter to the attention of the Board. The proceeds of the sale of the Vice Commission Report, amounting to $140, had not been used. They were reserved for some work in fighting vice as stated at the time when the Report was published. At present Mrs. Parker was doing magnificent work under the Conn. Soc. for Social Hygiene, for the protection of the soldiers, and the money could not be better spent than for this work. Miss Bulkley moved that $140 from the sale of the Vice Comm. Reports be donated to Dr. Parker for social hygiene work in connection with the war. Carried. The minutes of the meeting of May 16th were read and approved. The Treasurer's Report was read and approved. Before the reading Mrs. Hepburn told of the gift of $500 from Mrs Parsons of Lakeville. She spoke also of the present difficulties in regard to money. The two front rooms could not be rented as voted at the previous meeting. The proposition was not a feasible one, as no-one would take the rooms for so short a time. The Treasurer reported receipts with a balance of $201.75-$1539.42; expenditures, $1347.64, balance $191.78. Miss Ludington moved that Mrs Parsons be cordially thanked by the Board for her timely contributions. Motion carried. 2. Connecticut Woman Suffrage Association HEADQUARTERS: 53-57 PRATT STREET, HARTFORD TELEPHONE CHARTER 6217 MRS EDWARD PORRITT PRESS SECRETARY 63 TREMONT ST. HARTFORD The Report of the chairman of Hartford County was read and accepted. Miss Bulkley made an informal report covering chiefly work done in connection with War service. The report of the pro.tem.chairman of New Haven County was read and accepted. Mrs Spencer reported that the Farm Bureau had asked the aid of the Suffragists in transporting the Dem.Agent.and that so far they had been able to render the service asked. Mrs Spencer al so reader the report of Miss Mullen the Co.Organizer. Miss Mullen reported that her time had been chiefly taken up with work for the retail clerks league which was making magnificent progress. She asked the opinion of the Board as regards her doing this work. The report of the chairman of New London County was read and accepted. Miss Ludington reported excellent cooperation in war service work. The report of the chairman of Fairfield County was read and accepted. Miss Ruutz-Rees read a report prepared by Miss Murray the organizer,telling of splendid progress in the county. Mrs Hepburn then read a communication from the Conn.Collegiate Alumae asking cooperation in an effort to make camp conditions morally clean. Resolutions suggested by the Conn.Coll.Alumae were read and passed by the Board. The report of the chairman of Middlesex Co.was read and accepted. The report for Litchfield Co,Windham County,and Tolland County were omitted on account of the absence of the chairman. Miss Ruutz-Rees read the report of war work. She explained that the offer of $800 for expenses for a woman demonstrator applied to five counties--to all but New London County and New Middlesex county where there were already demonstrators and New Haven County which had the advantage of the Farm Bureau agent. The report was accepted. Miss Ruutz-Rees then offered her resignation as chairman of the Central 3. Connecticut Woman Suffrage Association HEADQUARTERS: 55-57 PRATT STREET, HARTFORD TELEPHONE CHARTER 6217 MRS. EDWARD PORRITT PRESS SECRETARY 83 TREMONT St., HARTFORD War Work Committee; and Mrs Hepburn said that Miss Ludington might be induced to take the chairmanship. Mrs Bennett moved that Miss Ruutz-Rees's resignation be accepted,and Miss Ludington be appointed in her place. Motion carried. It was stated that the New Haven E. F. L. wanted the help of Miss Mullen in connection with the Vice situation in New Haven. It was moved that Miss Mullen be authorised to use her own judgement in cooperating for the present with the social hygiene groups in New Haven. Motion carried. Mrs. Seton moved that the chair write a personal letter to Miss Mullen outlining in detail the the form of her activities with the retail clerks and expressing the approval of the Board of her work up to date. Mrs Hepburn said that the had received a letter from Mrs Berths Gallup Dailey asking for a position as organizer. Miss Ruutz-Rees mentioned Miss Margaret FitzGerald as a possible organizer. Mrs Bennett said that Mrs Gallup had been sending out banks for Red Cross and War Relief Work. The banks had long ago paid for themselves. Mrs Seton moved that the present choice of a New London organizer be left to the chairman of New London county. Motion carried. Mrs Bennett moved that Mrs Catt be reassured as to the loyalty of the C.W.S.A. to suffrage work, and that a copy of the resolution passed by the the C.W.S.A. and recordered in its minutes be sent to her. Annie G.Forritt. Rec.Sec. Dear Miss Danielson- I enjoyed the meeting very much-yesterday- am sending a few little clippings-of interest-in the work- I am very sure you will laugh-when I tell you the two little boys I told you wanted the potatoes. called this morning-to see if I would get a "big flag-to put on the meeting house" same as they do in the cities" boys aged 9 and 11-- What a glorious day- I sent his articles of in Suffrage line yesterday-and am a little afraid they will think it is enough-if they do-they might use it next week- Last night I dreamed that out on my back door step-there was a very large barrel filled with peas-boiling-and I was stirring them with a teaspoon-perhaps this was the new method spoken of yesterday-. but I do not believe I should be a very profitable demonstration-especially as I never did any canning in my life-but can make as fine preserves as anyone. Hope you will enjoy this "Perfect Day" Most cordially- Ella Carleton. MINUTES OF BOARD MEETING October 9th 1918. The regular meeting of the Connecticut Woman Suffrage Association was called to order at 11:30 by Miss Ludington. This was the first meeting since August 17th, due to the postponement of the September meeting, caused by Miss Ludington's absence in Washington. Miss Ludington related some of her experiences in Washington. She read the latest report from Mrs Catt on the status of Amendment, which is exactly the same as it was before the vote was taken,except that our position is much stronger than it ever was before as we have the President definitely on our side and we also know just where every Senator stands. We will now have until March 4th to reach the four Senators who will take office immediately after the fall elections, who will be elected to fill recent vacancies. Treasurer's Report Miss Washburn reported a balance of only $460.93 in the treasury. There is still due on the pledges $2,623.40, but with the heavy expense the organization is now under if all the pledges were paid there would not be a sufficient amount to meet all the obligations for this month. Miss Ludington talked at some length impressing on all of us the great necessity of raising money at this, the most important, time of the year with political campaigns just ahead of us. She asked that every one do all they possibly could to get some money pledged. Miss Washburn reported that over half the Overseas Hospitals' Fund had been paid and about $1,000 raised for the second half. It was moved and carried that the Treasurer's report be accepted as read. Headquarters Report Miss Parshall reported that a large number of callers have been coming into headquarters within the last month, which goes to show that the Signature Campaign has aroused new interest. 10,000 envelopes have been addressed, with the assistance of Miss Ludington's secretary at Lyme, ready for circularization of rural voters. lawyers, bankers, physicians, and business men. Every Political worker in the state has had three letters from headquarters regarding the signatures and political work. Every League President or Treasurer has had two letters from Miss Washburn requesting payment on pledges and dues. Every League President has been asked by letter to cooperation in assisting with the Liberty Loan and also to try and get the amount of money subscribed by suffragists in their home town that we might have a story at the end of the drive as to what had been done by us. 2. Over 100,000 pieces of literature have been sent out to all parts of the State to help carry the work in the Signatures Campaign. Headquarters was called on to help Miss Hinaman in her work at the Fairs, Mrs Vorhorst and kiss Parshall spent several days at the two Fairs and Mrs Byles who spent the entire week at the Hartford Fair contributed greatly to the success of the canteen, which not only cleared expenses but had some money to add to the treasury. Press Report. Mrs Vorhorst having resigned as Press Secretary, that she might take up matters pertaining to Mr Vorhorst business, Miss Hinaman was appointed to take her place in Hartford, giving half of her time to the Press work and half to the County work. Miss Whalen of New Haven, long experienced in newspaper work who is popular, and has wide acquaintance with the politicians of both parties, is to assist with the press work from that end of the state. Miss Hinaman requests every organizer, Chairman and in fact every worker to co-operate with her in getting news stories. The old system of sending out a press letter every week is to be done away with and nothing is to go to the papers that is not up to the minute news. The Convention number of the Bulletin is to be enlarged to eight pages, and advertising is to be secured to pay for the entire cost of the bulletin. If this is a success the enlarged size will be continued. Hartford County. Miss Bulkley made the report. The Signature Campaign is progressing in nearly all of the towns in the county, and some of the towns have their quota completed. The work has not gone as well in Hartford on account of lack of volunteers and money for canvassers. Miss Hinaman spent one day each in Southington, Granby, E. Granby, Bloomfield, Avon, So. Windsor and Glastonbury doing actual canvassing. Miss Cadwell has been canvassing in New Britian, Plainville and Berlin. Miss Donovan has been canvassing in Windsor and Thompsonville. Mrs. Schoonmaker spoke in the Town Hall at So. Windsor on Women and War, to help get the women interested in the Signatures Campaign. Miss Hinaman spoke at a Red Cross meeting in Southington, put some literature in the Library and interviewed the local news reporters. The hardest work of the month was done at the Charter Oak and Berlin Fairs, where suffrage canteens were equipped to serve tea and sandwiches. Miss Hinaman had to depend entirely upon the assistance of headquarters with the exception of one day when she had the assistance of members from the Hartford Equal Suffrage Association. Mrs Byles gave up her entire week to the Fair. At Belin local assistants made Miss Hinaman's work much easier. Both canteens were considered good bits of publicity and a small margin over actual expenses was cleared. Four Hundred signatures were secured and much literature distributed. New Haven The regular daily work consists of supervising and engaging paid canvassers. Signatures secured to date and passed through our hands, 10,300, outstanding probably 300. Furnished to headquarters 7000. This work involves constant telephoning, letter writing and personal interviewing. Mrs. McDermott spoke at a war rally of colored women of the Congregational Church, and 500 women voted to organize as a colored suffrage league to be affiliated with the state. Mrs. McDermott and Mrs. Townshend went to Meriden to meeting and explained the signature work. The women were pleased with the definite instructions given and promised to start work immediately. A great deal of good newspaper publicity came from a meeting at Guilford, where Mrs. McDermott and Mrs. Townshend and Mrs. Morren went in decorated cars and Mrs. Hamilton spoke on the Senate vote. New Haven suffragists were assigned to the Liberty Loan Booth on the Green in New Haven. Mrs. Towshend and Mrs. McDermott took charge. They have sold to date $65, 400 worth of Bonds. Tolland Miss Blankenburg made the report. The signatures campaign is progressing, several towns having secured their quota. The women of Rockville are taking an active part in the School Board election. Windham Miss Danielson reported on money raised in the following towns for the Women's Oversea Hospitals; Willimantic 25.00 Putnam 100.00 Thompson E. F. L. 40.00 Woodstock " 38.00 Danielson " 30.00 Total $233.00 Quota $180.00 Signature campaign 28th District. Mrs. Johnstone, leader, has sent in today 643 names, and has at least 400 more in the hands of canvassers. Woodstock has completed its quota of 95, sending in 106 names, and there are more to come. 29 district 1569 Windham County total 2612 -2- Fairfield The work in Fairfield County during the month of September can be group under three heads., (a) Signatures campaign, (b) Meetings (c) Political work. The Signatures campaign has been ably handled by Miss Jones. the canvass in Greenwich is progressing; New Canaan has completed its quota; the activities of Miss Hill and her sister have been very detrimental in Norwalk. Meetings have been held in different parts of the country. An entertainment was given at the home of Mrs. A. Barton Hepburn to raise funds for the Ridgefield League. Approximately Two Hundred and Fifty Dollars was raised. In Greenwich a large concert was given for the benefit of the Oversea Hospitals, Six Hundred and Forty Dollars was raised. Mrs. Schoonmaker spoke before the Riverside league and aroused a great deal of enthusiasm which will result in the forming of another group of classes. The September County meeting held at Riverside on the 12th was the largest monthly meeting ever held in the country. Miss Ludington and Miss Hall spoke and Mrs. Rossen presided. The next monthly meeting will be held in the Hotel Clark in Derby. The Political work has been interviewing prospective candidates and getting telegrams sent to our senators. Litchfield Mrs. Taylor reported that they had about completed the quota for Litchfield county. Numbers of telegrams were sent to the Senators and perspective candidates interviewed. Mrs. Appleby has been assisting Mrs. Taylor with the canvass. State Organizer Miss Selden reported the minutes of the legislative committee, which was held Monday, October 7th at 2 P.M. Those present were Miss Ludington, Miss Buckley, Mrs. Townshend, Mrs. Taylor, Mrs. McDermott and Miss Selden. Miss Selden was appointed secretary of the meeting. The Senate situation was first discussed. Miss Ludington raised the question of whether the C.W. S. A. should assist the National with the Congressional elections in New Jersey and New Hampshire, the two stats in which there is the possibility of changing a vote for the Federal Amendment. Mrs. McDermott moved that the C. W. S. A. assist these states in the election of a suffrage senator. Miss Buckley offered the following amendment: "In case the National asks our assistance". Mrs. McDermott accepted the amendment. The motion was seconded and carried. Mrs. Townshend moved that our assistance be in the form of a pledge to finance an organizer to be chosen by the National. Seconded. Carried. State Situation Miss Ludington read a plan to establish a definite relation between our association and the political campaign this month. Provided the committee approved, she would propose this to the leaders of the Democratic and Republican parties of the state. Mrs. Taylor moved that Miss Ludington's plan as outlined and discussed to be adopted. Seconded. Carried. It was agreed that it should be left for the Board to decide what we should ask of the legislature this winter. The arranged need of deputations to Congressional candidates was also to be left to the Board. Labor Report Mr. Kitchelt reported that since July 29th he had spoken to city Central Labor Unions, eighty-seven localmunions in Hartford, New Haven, Bridgeport, Danbury and Waterbury and had received 94% endorsements. Forty letters were sent to locals that could not be reached before the cote was taken in the senate. Nine union officials agreed to send telegrams to the senators. Mr. Kitchelt and Miss Parshall reported the action taken by the delegates to the convention of the State Federation of Labor. Although there is a great deal of opposition expressed by several of the delegates when the cote was taken on the floor of the convention there was but one dissenting voice. Citizenship Report Mrs. Schoonmaker reports that she had four classes in Fairfield County, the attendance varrying from twenty to fifty. At South Norwalk a fee of Five Dollars was charged for the course and the classes netted One Hundred and thirty-two Dollars. In Stratford over Fifty Dollars was received; the price of tickets being One Dollar and a helf. In Newtown Twenty-five Dollars and in Ridgefield the classes were free. Mrs. A. Barton Hepburn is trying to get Rockefeller's Institute to make Hartford one of the three cities in which experimental instruction and citizenship is to be tried out. Mrs. Schoonmaker has spoken at special meetings at South Windsor, Rocky Hill, Berlin Fair and Riverside. The Rocky Hill meeting was to introduce a course in citizenship which is to be taught by Miss Gleason who has been working under Mrs. Schoonmaker. There is a possibility of having a citizenship department in the Hartford Times where questions will be answered by Mrs. Schoonmaker. The citizenship committee has been reorganized for the purpose of enlarging the central committee which will provide for a citizenship chairman in each town. A gift of Ten Dollars was received for the department. The manuscript for the book was finished and has been with the publisher for several weeks. The Willimantic Normal School and the Connecticut College have both promised to have Mrs. Schoonmaker give her courses this fall. Political Plans Miss Ludington outlined the plans for the coming campaign. We are going to make an attempt to get suffrage speakers at all political meetings. Our women are to be asker to get out a large attendance at the political meetings. Our association, as an organization, is to be non-partisan but individuals can work for the candidate of their choice. The association, however, will make its appeal equally to both parties. We expect that the Democrats will give us their support on accounts of their platform. In case the Republicans turn us down, this is to be given wide publicity. An outline of this program will be sent to every woman worker. Miss Selden gave a detailed account of the senatorial candidates. Miss Murray is chairman of the committee to arrange all meetings with the politicians for the purpose of having a suffrage speaker at their meetings. Convention The New Haven women will be glad to have the convention held in New Haven, and it was decided to hold it as late as possible in November so as to have it after the election; November the 21st was decided upon. The convention will last two days. We will have a night meeting and try to secure Dr. Shaw as a speaker. It has been found that the only possible basis of representation at the convention is through League membership. If there were any political workers who wish to have representation, they could form a league and send dues to the State Treasurer. A motion was made that the convention be held in New Haven. Seconded. CArried. It was moved that the convention be held in the week of November 18th, with a preference given for the 21st and 22nd , with the final decision left to the convention committee. Seconded. Carried. It was moved that the nominating committee be appointed by the president at the convention. Carried. The convention committee is composed of Miss Washburn, Chairman, Mrs. Townshend, Ms. McDermott, Miss Trumbull, and Mrs. Taylor. It was moved and carried that the semi-monthly Board Meeting which was decided upon last month should be left to the discretion of the President. It was moved and carried that the next Board Meeting be held November the 13th so that all plans could be made for the convention. Those present were: Miss Washburn Miss Ludington Miss Bulkley Mrs. Maxim Miss Selden Miss Danielson Mrs. Taylor Mrs. Hepburn Mrs. McDermott Mrs. Schoonmaker Mrs. Kitchelt Mr. Kitchert Miss Murray Miss Hinaman Miss Blankenburg Miss Parshall FRANK H. FOSS Attorney At Law Telephones Office [18-5] [*385-5*] Residence 128-12 [*686*] [Room 5] [Opera House Block] [751 Main St.] WILLIMANTIC, CONN., 6/27/18. [*Jordan Block*] Miss Rosamond Danielson, Putnamn, Conn. My dear Miss Danielson, - I enclose copies of letters in which I tried to enlist town leaders and in which I called a meeting of my ward-leaders and town-leaders relative to the progress of the causus and canvas, also list of convention delegates I have interviewed. Regarding the former I found we have the following list to date: Number of names secured in Willimantic and surrounding towards to June 10th---425 June 12th.--Willimantic 1 ward (Miss Niles) 0 2 " (Mrs. Stone) 0 3 " (Miss O'Connor) 55 4 " (Mrs. Gager) 305 Windham (Mrs. Pegrum) 20 Chaplin (Mrs. Merritt Welch) 0 Central Village 90 Total -- 945 The organization as a whole and as individuals balks at interviewing delegates. The republican machine is all fixed to sidestep suffrage. I understand. Charles Gates is tied to J. Henry Roraback; so are Hinman and Peckham. The Democrats look better, but are not truthful. Fenton is a suffragist, but voted "No" last year. Laramee promised to vote "Yes" last year, but didn't. They all are gregarious, however, and will swing with the crowd. Sorry my reports are late, but my ward-leaders have turned in none, as they do not want to "do" interviews, so I have seen your men personally. We sent 30 telegrams from Willimantic to McLean in the last drive. You know I am not going to serve after July 1st. You see your organization needs efficientwomen and knowing how it should be done, I can not bear to do the work so badly. Hope you will find a live woman without a family, Cordially, [*May H. Foss*] FRANK H. FOSS Attorney At Law Telephones Office 18-5 Residence 128-12 Room 5 Opera House Block 731 Main St. WILLIMANTIC, CONN., 4/9/18. Miss [Nancy Austin], Willimentic, Conn. My dear [Miss Austin], As you no doubt know the women of the Connecticut are organizing along the same lines that proved so successful in the New York campaign. Chairmen are being appointed in each congressional district and under their leadership chairmen in each senatorial district, and again, under the leadership of the latter, leaders in several towns comprising the senatorial districts. Would you accept the leadership in your town? We have just had a wonderful mass meeting in Willimantic, a town which has never been organized before, and we have a paid organizer here who was in the New York campaign, and who is doing wonderful constructive work among our women. We expect to have Mrs. Schoonmaker of New York to take charge of classes in citizenship at an early date in order that we may get ready for our enfranchisement. I know you will be glad to assist us in a work made doubly important by the stress and danger of war and that I may have your acceptance at a very early date. I am, Faithfully yours, [*May H. Foss*] Chairman 29th Senatorial District. FRANK H. FOSS Attorney at Law Telephones Office 385-5 Residence 686 Room 5 Opera House Block 751 Main St. Willimantic, Conn., 6/8/18 Dear, Ward-Leader, - July 1st., the date set for the conclusion of our canvass is but three weeks off, and I feel that we ought to have a final meeting to get things in order for a good finish. We want to see every woman's name in Willimantic, if possible, on these lists. I have great faith in the results you personally will accomplish. Will you not meet with me and the ward-leaders and helpers of this district in the office of Hinman & Foss, Jordan Block, Tuesday evening, Jue 11th. at 7:30 O'clock and make a report on what you have done to date. [?] number of names secured, and territory remaining to be canvassed, as per your maps, etc. Let us all talk over our difficulties and get a start for the final push for the gaol. I haven't rushed you, and I do want to make a good showing from our district. In addition, the Republican cau[?]us meets in Willimantic, June 12th. to manufacture public sentiment, elect delegates to the Republican convention June 15th. Will you personally see two of the following who will probably be selected ; George Bartlett (Chronical) , Chas. Gates, Arnold Peckham, E.P. Chesbro, and any good suffragist you may know. See what you can get the former to promise, get their argument against suffrage, if possible, and what they would do with regard to ratification. Tell them suffrage is coming and they'd better be on the band wagon. This is the best argument for Gates etc. Urge the latter to get on the delegation of possible or at least to put in a word for a suffrage plank. Report to me Tuesday if possible on any men you have talked with. if not call me up Wednesday or Thursday morning. Please try to get out Tuesday night, if not call me up - 686 between ten and twelve AM., otherwise I shall expect you. The progress we have made in Willimantic is wonderful. Let's pull together a little longer. Please pass these instructions ad invitation on to you ward-helpers and remember Every one out Tuesday night with reports on canvas and interviews. Let's have a good meeting. If you can't come to the meeting be sure to see delegates to be and suffragists and send in reports by June 13th. Cordially Yours, May H. Foss, PER/L. SENATORIAL LEADERS' REPORT SHEET Please return this Report Sheet to your County Leader before the 12th day of each month COUNTY Windham LEADER Rosamond Danielson SENATORIAL DISTRICT Twenty-ninth LEADER May H. Foss MONTH ENDING July 1st, 1918 POLITICAL INTERVIEWS Date Township Interviewed by Whom Name Person Interviewed Office Candidate For Party Suffrage Attitude on Ratification Chief Argument Responsible for at Present Attitude For or Against Interview Windham May H. Foss, Geo. Hinman Atty' anti No. Non Commital or persons who Gen'l. (Roraback's at her request Man found out attitude of delegates indirectly. William King Corporation Pro Yes. Counsel Will vote for and Measure, if Town it comes up. Counsel Philip Cheney Doubtful [*Ignorant*] Arnold Peckham Anti. No. [* " *] OVER MEETINGS HELD Date : June 11th Place : Willimantic Purpose : Push to finish canvas and get women to see delegates and get men to go to caucus. Speakers : Number Present : 6 Collection : REMARKS: NEW POLITICAL ORGANIZATION WORKERS APPOINTED Name: Address: Office: SIGNATURE CAMPAIGN Number of women who have previously signed___________________ Number of women who have signed this month__________________ SENATORIAL LEADERS REPORT SHEET Please return this Report Sheet to your County Leader before the 12th day of each month. COUNTY Windham LEADER Rosamond Danielson SENATORIAL DISTRICT Twenty-ninth LEADER May H. Foss MONTH ENDING July 1st, 1918 POLITICAL INTERVIEWS Township Responsible for Interview Windham Interviewed by Whom May H. Foss, or persons, who, at her request, found out attitude of delegates indirectly. Name Person Interviewed D.P. Dunn Suffrage Attitude Pro Attitude on Ratification Yes Name Person Interviewed James Haggerty Suffrage Attitude Pro Attitude on Ratification Yes Name Person Interviewed Pierre Laramee Office at Present Representative member Common Counsel. Attitude on Ratification Thinks he will probably vote "Yes" Name Person Interviewed Valentine Murphy Attitude on Ratification Fairly favorable Name Person Interviewed F.P. Fenton Office at Preset Town Clerk Representative Suffrage Attitude Pro. Attitude on Ratification A Good Promiser. MEETINGS HELD Date Place Purpose Speakers Number Present Collection REMARKS: NEW POLITICAL ORGANIZATION WORKERS APPOINTED Name Address Office SIGNATURE CAMPAIGN Number of women who have previously signed Number of women who have signed this month We, the undersigned, urge you to vote and work for the immediate passage of the National Suffrage Amendment. Please mail to the member of Congress from your district. (Address, House Office Building, Washington, D. C.) 41 National Woman's Party National Headquarters, Lafayette Square Washington, D. C. Colors-- Purple, White and Gold National Advisory Council Chairman, Mrs. John Rogers, N. Y. Secretary, Miss Maud Younger, Cal. Mrs. Frederick T. Ackermann, N. Y. Mrs. Robert Adamson, N. Y. Mrs. Chas. F. Amidon, N. Dak. Miss Jessie Ashley, N. Y. Miss Mary E. Bakewell, Pa. Mrs. Bion Barnett, Fla. Mrs. Cyrus Beard, Wyo. Mrs. Mary Ritter Beard, N. Y. Mrs. Toscan Bennett, Conn. Mrs. William B. Boulton, N. J. Mrs. Howard P. Boyle, N. J. Mrs. Virginia M. Branner, Iowa Mrs. Alfred H. Bright, Minn. Reverend Olympia Brown, Wis. Mrs. Robert Bruere, N. Y. Miss Mary A. Burnham, Pa. Mrs. Dora Phelps Buell, Colo. Mrs. Annie Wells Cannon, Utah Mrs. John Carey, Ind. Mrs. Joseph Carey, Wyo. Mrs. Thomas L. Chadbourne, N. Y. Mrs. Margaret Zane Cherdron, Utah Mrs. William L. Colt, N. Y. Miss Anna Constable, N. Y. Mrs. Vincent Cook, Ore. Mrs. Avery Coonley, Ill. Mrs. Frank Cothern, N. Y. Mrs. Julius Crisler, Miss. Mrs. R. P. Crump, Miss. Mrs. Lucius M. Cuthbert, Colo. Mrs. George H. Day, Conn. Dr. Maria M. Dena, Mont. Miss Lavinia Dock, Pa. Mrs. Rheta Childe Dorr, N. Y. Miss Crystal Eastman, N. Y. Mrs. Sara Bard Field, Cal. Mrs. Robert Patterson Finley, N. J. Mrs. William Floyd, N. Y. Mrs. Marie Moore Forrest, D. C. Mrs. J. Andre Fouilhoux, Ore. Miss Susan P. Frost, S. Car. Mrs. Emma Maddox Funck, Md. Mrs. Elizabeth Gerberding, Cal. Mrs. Charlotte Perkins Gilman, N. Y. Mrs. Adolphus E. Graupner, Cal. Mrs. Edwin C. Grice, Pa. Mrs. Jennie Law Hardy, Mich. Mrs. W. E. Hardy, Mich. Mrs. F. R. Hazard, N. Y. Mrs. Phoebe A. Hearst, Cal. Mrs. Wm. Randolph Hearst, N. Y. Mrs. George Hendrie, Mich. Mrs. Elon Hooker, N. Y. Mrs. Henry E. Hovey, N. H. Mrs. Frederick C. Howe, N. Y. Miss Mary Ingham, Pa. Mrs. Inez Haynes Irwin, N. Y. Mrs. Charles Gilmore Kerley, N. Y. Dr. Cora Smith King, Wash. Mrs. Otto Kirchner Mich. Mrs. Alexander Kohut, N. Y. Miss Fola La Follette, N. Y. Miss Gail Laughlin, Cal. Miss Stephanie Levert, La. Mrs. Lola Maverick Lloyd, Ill. Dr. Sarah H. Lockrey, Pa. Miss Belle McGibeny, N. Y. Mrs. Harry Lowenburg, Pa. Mrs. Bernice McCoy, Idaho Mrs. Benton Mackaye, D. C. Mrs. Ida Finney Mackrille, Cal. Mrs. Lionel S. Marks, Mass. Mrs. Marcus M. Marks, N. Y. Miss Julia Marlowe, N. Y. Miss Helen Marot, N. Y. Mrs. Harris Masterson, Tex. Miss Edythe Wynne Matthison, Conn. Miss Marion May, N. Y. Mrs. Cyrus Mead, Ohio. Miss Vida Milholland, N. Y. Mrs. Lilla Day Monroe, Kans. Mrs. Agnes H. Morey, Mass. Mrs. John T. Morrison, Idaho Mrs. Henry Moskowitz, N. Y. Mrs. William Spencer Murray, Md. Mrs. Adelina Otero-Warren, N. Mex. Mrs. Marsden Perry, R. I. Mrs. Amos Pinchot, N. Y. Mrs. Annie Porritt, Conn. Mrs. Alden Potter, Minn. Mrs. James M. Rector, Ohio Mrs. Henry Ridgley, Del. Miss Ella Riegel, Pa. Mrs. Julius Rosenwald, Ill. Mrs. Alfred S. Rossin, N. Y. Mrs. Charles Edward Russell. D. C. Mrs. Frederick Sanborn, Cal. Mrs. Townsend Scott, Md. Mrs. Frances Thurber Seal, N. Y. Miss May Wright Sewall, Ind. Mrs. Eugene Shippen, Mich. Mrs. Austin Sperry, Cal. Mrs. Albert Steinfeld, Ariz. Mrs. Julius Stone, Ohio. Miss Grace Strachan, N. Y. Dr. Elizabeth Thelberg, N. Y. Mrs. David D. Terry Ark. Mrs. Mary C. Therkelsen, Ore. Mrs. Robert Gibbes Thomas, S. C. Miss Clara L. Thompson, Mo. Mrs. Shelley Tollhurst, Cal. Mrs. Samuel Untermeyer, N. Y. Mrs Richard Wainwright, D C. Mrs. Hettie D. M. Wallis, Tex. Mrs. Thomas F. Walsh, D. C. Mrs. Harvey W. Wiley, D. C. Dr. Marion Walker Williams, Ariz. Mrs. S. B. M. Young, Mont. Mrs. Fanny Bloomfield Zeisler, Ill. National Executive Committee Miss Alice Paul, N. J., Chairman Miss Anne Martin, Nev., V. Chairman Miss Mabel Vernon, Nev., Secretary Miss Mary Gertrude Fendall, Md., Treas. Mrs. Robert Baker, D. C. Mrs. O. H. P. Belmont, N. Y. Mrs. John Winters Brannan, N. Y. Miss Lucy Burns, N. Y. Mrs. Gilson Gardner, D. C. Mrs. Florence Bayard Hilles, Del. Mrs. Donald R. Hooker, Md. Mrs. Lawrence Lewis, Pa. Miss Doris Stevens, Neb. Miss Maud Younger, Cal. National Committee of State Chairmen Miss Ella Abeel, Ill. Mrs. M. J. Anderson, Ind. Mrs. W. D. Ascough, Conn. Mrs. M. L. Graham-Bankston, La. Mrs. Richard J. Barker, R. I. Mrs. Edith Barriger, Mo. Mrs. S. E. Beggs, Idaho Mrs. A. M. Beim, Iowa Mrs. O. H. P. Belmont, N. Y. Mrs. M. S. Bonnifield, Nev. Miss Edith Callahan, Ky. Mrs. Elinor Carlisle, Cal. Mrs. Beatrice Castleton, Ga. Mrs. A. R. Colvin, Minn. Mrs. J. Borden Estee, Vt. Mrs. A. R. Fellows, S. Dak. Mrs. Frederick Forrest, Wash. Mrs. Betha W. Fowler, Colo. Mrs. L. Crozier French, Tenn. Mrs. C. S. Haire, Mont. Mrs. Florence Bayard Hilles, Del. Mrs. Donald R. Hooker, Md. Mrs. J. A. H. Hopkins, N. J. Miss Mary Ingham, Pa. Miss Ada James, Wis. Mrs. Edward M. Jarrett, Ark. Mrs. Elizabeth Jenkins, Utah Miss Nell Ainslie Anthony, Kan. Miss Olive M. Belches, Mass. Dr. Frances M. Lane, Wyo. Dr. Florence S. Manion, Ore. Mrs. Sophie G. Meredith, Va. Mrs. A. Leight Monroe, Fla. Mrs. Elizabeth Darrow O'Neil, N. Dak. Mrs. A. C. R. Richardson, Miss. Mrs. Arthur Taylor, N. C. Mrs. W. P. Vaughn, S. C. Mrs. W. T. Burch, D. C. Mrs H. L. White, Ala. Mrs. Robert Treat Whitehouse, Mich. Mrs. Nelson Whittemore, Mich. Mrs. Valentine Winters, Ohio. Mrs. Clara Snell Wolfe, Tex. National Departments Executive Secretary Miss Virginia Arnold Legislative Chairman, Miss Anne Martin Lobby Committee Mrs. Robert Baker Mrs. Alvin R. Barber Mrs. Gilson Gardner Mrs. William Kent Mrs. George Odell Miss Maud Younger National Headquarters Maintenance Committee Mrs. William Kent Headquarters, Manager Mrs. Ella Morton Dean. Pageant Miss Hazel MacKaye Political Miss Katherine Morey Press Mrs. Robert Baker. Miss Beulah Amidon. Supplies Mrs. Bessie Papandre The Suffragist Editors Miss Pauline Clarke Miss Vivian Pierce Cartoonist Mrs. Nina E. Allender Business Staff Circulation Manager Miss Elizabeth Smith December 22, 1917. My dear Miss Danielson:- I am writing to you to get the different Suffragists in your leagues and towns to see, write and urge Mr. Freeman, your Congressman, not only to vote for the Federal Amendment when it comes up early in January to do everything in his power to secure the vote of Mr. Tilson, the Republican member from Connecticut who is opposed. I have written to all the presidents of the leagues in your county, whose names and addresses I recalled off-hand, urging them to get as much pressure as possible to bear on Mr. Freeman these last few days. The vote on the Amendment looks rather hopeful but we must all push together these last few weeks and get as much pressure back of every man as we possibly can. I am enclosing herewith several petition blanks which I hope you will have distributed at once. Will you see that they are sent to Mr. Freeman before the first week in January with the request that they be read into the Congressional Record. With best Christmas wishes to you and kind remembrances to your mother and brother, I am Very sincerely yours, Catherine M Flanagan Organization Secretary CMF/GD Miss Rosamond Danielson, Putnam, Conn. Minutes of the Executive Board of the Connecticut Woman Suffrage Association November 13, 1918. The Executive Board of the Connecticut Woman Suffrage Association held a special pre convention meeting in Hartford, Wednesday, November 13th. Miss Ludington presided. The minutes of the previous meeting were approved as read with the exception of a change made in the Fairfield county report. Treasurer's Report Miss Washburn reported a balance of $110081. On account of the election it was decided not to close the books until November 15th which was about six weeks later than usual. She explained there would be a small balance on hand but there would still be unpaid the balance on the loan. Also more money would have to come in to pay the outstanding bills which would come in after the books were closed. Headquarters Report Miss Parshall reported the great volume of work caused by the political campaign, of sending literature and circular letters to the entire membership, together with the bulletin. The work was doubled by the failure of the Republicans to send in their literature in time to go out with the Democratic. Press Report Miss Hinaman reported the publicity given the suffrage campaign for favorable legislators was gratifying. The page advertisements in the newspapers all over the state attracted a great deal of attention. Several favorable editorials were given us during the campaign. Hartford County Miss Bulkley reported that the work in Hartford County for the past month has been mostly confirmed to interviewing candidates for the legislature and taking care of influenza patients. Hartford suffragists were given opportunity to do splendid work during the epidemic; first, through assisting the Visiting Nurses and second, through the fact that Mrs. Wm. H. Deming was in charge of the Emergency Hospital which had been established at the Golf Club. Her work was magnificent and she was nobly supported by the Headquarters force, who not only took regular duty but stood ready to answer any calls for extra help. At the annual meeting of the Hartford Equal Franchise league, Nov. 9th, Mrs. Graves, the treasurer, reported the 1917 pledge to the State was about completed and $1100 had been pledged for the work of the new year. -2- Hartford County - cont'd. The signatures campaign bat been at standstill on account of the epidemic. Miss Cadwell who had Just returned to Hartford County from a few weeks stay in Middlesex, reported that she had put Plainville over the top with the signatures. Hartford County has the distinction of haying the smaller proportion of uninterviewed candidates than any other District. Miss Hinaman has spent all her spare time not given to the press work interviewing men in all parts of the county. Miss Donavan also has done very efficient work in assisting with the interviewing. The interviews with Mr. Lonergan and Mr. Quigley were most unsatisfactory. Mr. Lonergan held to his former attitude of states rights but later changed thin, On account of party pressure brought to bear upon him, by saying he would support it as a war measure. Following is the standing of the Legislators: 7 Senators Favorable 4 Opposed 2 Non-committal 1 45 Representatives Favorable 19 Opposed 10 Non-committal 9 Uninterviewed 7 New Haven County Mrs. Townshend reported for New Raven County. She said she would have plane completed for the next meeting for a more complete organization of the leagues in her county. Most interesting interviews were had with the candidates. Mr Tilson had not been reached but would again be asked as to how he stands on suffrage now. There seems to be a decided change in the attitude of the men this year. Those why have openly opposed suffrage before, do not now care to take any decided stand. New London County Mrs. Kitchelt reported for New London County. S he secured town leaders in Stonington, Stonington Boro and North Stonington. Meetings were held in New London (2), Groton (2) Jewett City, Waterford (2), Pawtucket and Mystic. Nine meetings in all. Forty-one candidates, were interviewed and the majority were found to be favorable. About thirteen deputations called on the above men, all of which were arranged and headed by Mrs. Kitchelt. There was good publicity from all parts of the county and the window cards and posters were generously distributed. Fairfield County Mrs. Rawson gave the report for Fairfield County. On account of the influenza the regular monthly meeting was omitted. The next meeting will be held under auspices of Shelton and will be a joint meeting of New Haven and Fairfield. On account of shortage of help, part of the county was not thoroughly covered with the posters. The Boy Scout Master in Stamford at request of the town leader distributed the posters there. -3- Miss Ludington headed a deputation of women from Greenwich, Riverside, Sound Beach, Stamford and Springdale, that called on Mr. Lockwood, nominee for Lieut.-Governor. He express himself as favorable to suffrage and pleased that the delegation called on him. Miss Ludington spoke at a luncheon in the Hotel Davenport and at the home of the town leader to her workers on the signature work. Mrs. Rawson spoke at a Democratic Rally in Milford with Mr. Spellacy and others. Out of 84 men to be interviewed before election, all but two have been seen. Five out of seven senators were favorable and 22 out of 34 representatives were favorable. Only 2 hopeless. Litchfield County Mrs. Taylor reported the county was thoroughly posted with our cards and posters. She had interviewed practically all of the candidates and the sentiment, as a whole, is very favorable. However, some of the men did not care to be put on record as how they stand. The epidemic had seriously interfered with the signatures campaign but 17 towns are over their quota with a good majority. Middlesex County Miss Webster was absent. Miss Cadwell reported that most of the candidates had been interviewed. In fact, only one man remained to be seen. Tolland and Windham Counties Miss Blankenburg had been interviewing candidates in her district and found much favorable sentiment. Labor Report Mr. Kitchelt gave his final report of the splendid work done in the various towns he visited. He found the sentiment for suffrage very favorable, especially among the men in Stamford. He visited ten cities, 128 locals and 8 Central Labor Unions. 15 had no quorum, 3 refused and 111 passed resolutions asking the Senators to vote YES on the Federal Amendment. About 2,689 men were reached. Mr. Kitchelt said a great deal of the opposition had been caused by a lack of understanding of what suffrage was. A motion was made and carried that every county leader be given a list of the favorable unions. Very little interest was manifested by the labor men in politics. Miss Hall reported on her nine days campaign in New Hampshire for the suffrage candidate Jamison. Although they worked very hard and made an excellent showing, Jamison was defeated. She said the president's appeal had a great deal to do with defeat of the suffrage men in New Hampshire. -4- State Organizer Miss Selden gave the following table of what the attitude of the newly elected representatives were: + - ? N.C. Hartford 17 10 10 8 New Haven 15 1 12 11 New London 15 1 4 10 Fairfield 21 1 10 2 Windham 9 15 Litchfield 7 13 22 Middlesex 11 2 5 4 Tolland 8 9 1 ________________________ 105 19 78 56 In the senate we have 2/3 majority with us. Out of 35-23 are favorable, 7 are opposed and 5 are non-committal. Miss Selden said the first work which must be done immediately is the interviewing of legislators, who have been put down as non-committal. Miss Hall and Miss Donovan have been doing work in the 14th and 17th districts, where no work had been done. The next important work is to put the signatures over legislature than any other piece of work we can do. We must continue to get endorsements of the Federal Suffrage Amendment from as many organizations as possible. 35,935 signatures have been turned in. Miss Ludington then took up the political situation for the future. She said, during a conference with Mrs. Catt, Mrs. Catt said that they were disappointed in the defeat of Jamison and Hennessy but in spite of that they were quite hopeful of the passage of the Amendment in the short session of congress. Mr. Palmer, the Democratic campaign manager, called on Muss Ludington and said that the Democrats intended to see that the Senate passed the suffrage amendment. He said we ought to show that Connecticut is awake and that we are aroused that Brandegee and McLead did not vote in favor of the amendment. Miss Bulkley then suggested that we have meetings in every town over the state, protesting against the action of the Senators for the purpose of affecting the senate and also the legislature. The following motion was made: It was moved and carried that early in the convention that a motion be made by one of the delegates urging that a series of protests and appeal meetings be held all over the state, against the action of Senators Brandegee and McLean and the leagues be asked to co-operate. Mrs. Townshend then made a motion that Mrs. Schoonmaker speak to the above motion on the floor of the convention. Carried. It was also suggested that in connection with these town meetings that the State Association have two big mass meetings. It was moved and carried that the general supervision for this round of meetings should be left in the hands of the legislative committee. Carried. -5- Miss Ludington summed up the work done in the political parties briefly, as having interested the parties in the women and interesting the women in the parties. Citizenship Report Mrs. Schoonmaker reported that the epidemic had seriously interfered with citizenship work as it was impossible to get people together for meetings. However, she gave lectures at the following places: One at the Putnam Chapter of the D.A.R., two at Huntsinger's Business School in Hartford, two at the Young Women's Hebrew Association, Middlefield Mother's Club and three meetings which were arranged by the Hartford Council of Jewish women, the Hartford Equal Suffrage Association and the Hearthstone Club. Fees to the amount of $145.50 were received. In the plan of co-operation offered by the Democratic party, and grudgingly accepted by the Republican party, Mrs. Schoonmaker was given charge of placing suffrage speakers at political rallies. There were 15 and Mrs. Schoonmaker was assisted at the others by Mrs. Rawson, Miss Hinaman and Miss Parkhall. In pursuance of the policy to encourage individual members to take an active part in the political campaigns, Mrs. Schoonmaker served as secretary and treasurer of the democratic woman's committee. Convention Report The conventioncommittee reported that the convention would be held in New Haven, intthe ball-room of the Hotel Taft, November 21st and 22nd. It was decided that was to be no mass meeting, but there would be a meeting following the suffrage dinner, and the merits of the two parties would be the topic of the speakers. Mr. JohnT. King, of Bridgeport and Mrs. Arthur L. Livermore of New York would present the Republican side- and Mr. Homer S. Cummings and Miss Caroline Ruutz-Rees, the Democratic side of the question. A motion was made and carried that the motion at the last Board meeting regarding the chair, appointing the nominating committee, be recinded. A motion was made by Mrs.Seton that a meeting be called during the convention, by the president, to be attended by suffragists, from which meeting the press would be excluded, for the discussion of legislative matters. After much discussion, this motion was lost. Miss Ludington declared the meeting adjourned. Those present were: Miss Ludington Mrs. Seton Miss Washburn Mrs. Taylor Mrs. Townshend Miss Louise Hall Miss Seldon Mrs. Kitchelt Mr. Kitchelt Miss Bulkley Miss Cadwell Miss Parshall Mrs. Schoonmaker Mrs. Rawson Miss Blankenburg Mrs. Hepburn Miss Hinaman I. See the town leader and explain the policy of the organization to her. (She will receive a copy of out campaign plan from Headquarters, but in [*every*] case it should be discussed with her.) Enlist her co-operation in the actual work of the campaign. II. If the candidates of both parties for the legislature are unknown, find out who they are. Every Town leader should be asked to do this. See that she does it. III. Have all these candidates interviewed to determine -- (A) Their attitude toward the war. (B) Their attitude toward suffrage in general; the Federal Amendment and its ratification. (C) Any interest in reform legislation which would appeal to women. IV. Make it clear to the candidate why you want this information. V. If you see that he is opposed to suffrage, do not let him commit himself against it. It is sufficiently definite for us at present to know he has not come out in favor of suffrage. If he has once stated that he is opposed, he will not be so much inclined to change his mind when he has a chance to vote. VI. "Get over" to the women of each town the stand of the candidates on the above questions. Where feasible, do this by meetings. Urge the immediate activity of the suffragists. VII. The only means that women have at present for supporting a candidate is to get as many votes as possible for him. However indirect this is, it is valued by nominees, as has been shown in several instances lately. VIII. To be of any value, this political work must be immediate. Election Day is November 5th and our most effective work will be during these next two weeks. If the suffrage leaders in the towns are busy with the Liberty Loan, you will have to assume more of the work yourself and get them to do as much as possible until the 19th, after which get them for this important suffrage work before anything else claims them. IX. (Some suffragists are suited to canvass for signatures; others have good political sense.) The signatures campaign must continue until each town secures its quota, but the emphasis this month should be on the direct political work. Effort should be concentrated on this, even if the canvass for names goes in more slowly. In many cases the women who are getting the signatures are not the ones to do the interviewing of politicians and some suffragists will help with the latter whereas they were not eager to undertake the signatures campaign. X. Report to me at once any Democrat who is a candidate for the legislature who will not come out for suffrage. In interviewing Democrats, see that they know the suffrage plank in their state platform, which reads as follows: "As a matter of justice to the women of the nation, and in conformity with the action of the democratic national committee, strongly supported by the President and the administration, we endorse the federal woman suffrage amendment and, upon its submission to the states, pledge ourselves to work for its prompt ratification by the legislators of Connecticut." XI. Report at once any interviews or other political activity. Send any newspaper clippings bearing on the political situation. XII. If the town has done well in the signatures campaign, let the candidates know that the women of his towm want suffrage. XIII. If the chairman of the Democratic or Republican Town Committee and the party member of the State Central Committee for that district are favorable, the candidates for representatives will probably hold the same opinions. In some cases, however, a State Central Committee and the chairman of a Town Committee, both of whom are suffragists, may have favored the candidacy of an anti, simply because they did not know his views or think it important enough to inquire. In such a case, the State Central Committee or the Town Chairman of the candidate's party should influence him to come out for suffrage. XIV. In less than two weeks we hope to have suffrage posters of different kinds to be displayed, about 2,000 in each county. These must not be wasted; they should be shown where they will have the most effect. This is something that any woman can do and organizers should not spend their time on it unless there is no other way to get it done. XV. Everything from now until November 5th should be secondary to the work for the election of favorable candidates. If the Federal Amendment shall have passed by the meeting of the 1919 legislature, that legislature must be a favorable one in order to secure ratification. If the Federal Amendment has not passed, we want a resolution from the legislature in favor of the Federal Amendment. Also there may be a Presidential and Municipal Bill to be voted on. In any case, we must secure a favorable two-thirds majority both in House and Senate. Delegates To 28th Senatorial [Contest?] Putnam - J F Carpenter, John Dady C L Toney Brodeur Eastford - Welcome Davis, Caro Latham Thompson - Dyer Elliott, Barton, Jacob, A. Reserve Woodstock - Byron Bates - F.O. Chaffee Ashford - Woodward Wind Col - Oct 9 has complete its quota of $180 for the Oversea H. by raising $ _______________ [?] follows: Willimantic 25 Putnam 100 Thompson L . Woodstock L 38 Davidson L ___________ sig. campaign 28th dist., Mrs. Johnston, Leader - has sent in today 640 names. & has at least 400 more in the hands of canvassers. Woodstock - has completed the quota of 95 - sending in 106 names -- and more to come. 29th dist 1569 _____________ Total 2609 Transcribed and reviewed by contributors participating in the By The People project at crowd.loc.gov.