SUBJECT FILE Women's Joint Legislative Committee for Equal Rights, Minutes, 1946-47 Minutes of Meeting Women's Joint Legislative Committee for Equal Rights Sunday, April 28, 1946 Members Present: Mrs. Nina B. Horton Avery - National Federation of Business and Professional Women's Clubs Dr. Florence A. Armstrong - American Federation of Soroptimist Clubs Miss Laura M. Berrien - National Association of Women Lawyers Miss H. Frances Boyer - National Education Association Mrs. Madge M. Carey - National Association of Colored Women Dr. Maude A. DeLand - American United Mrs. Dorothy Shipley Granger - St. John Society Mrs. Isadora A. Letcher - National Association of Colored Women Miss Katharine A. Norris - National Woman's Party Miss Dorothy M. Palmer - Alpha Iota Sorority Mrs. Dorothy M. Spinks - Alpha Iota Sorority Mrs. Mary Church Terrell - National Association of Colored Women Mrs. Harvey W. Wiley - General Federation of Women's Clubs The meeting was called to order by the Chairman, Mrs. Avery, at 3:00 p.m. at the Alva Belmont House. The Treasurer reported a balance on hand as of Marcy 31 of $53.22; disbursements for mimeographing, $32.92; leaving a balance as of April 28 of $20.30. In addition she received a bill for postage of $.75 and telephone calls $4.25. Miss Norris, as Chairman of the Committee on New Stationery, reported that the stationery is being printed and will be ready within a few days. Also it was announced that printed copies of Miss Sherwin's report on discriminations in the proposed Amendments to the Social Security Act had been ordered but not yet received. These are to be furnished to the members of the Congressional Committee considering this legislation. The major item of unfinished business was the Deputation to Senator Barkley, planned at the March meeting of the Women's Joint Legislative Committee for Equal Rights. The Chairman asked Mrs. Caroline Babcock, Executive Secretary of the National Woman's Party (who at the Chairman's request, following the illness of the Secretary of the Committee, completed the personnel of the Deputation) to make a full report of the plans. The Secretary had twice telegraphed the Senator and finally contacted him by telephone, when he agreed to receive the Deputation the next day, Monday, April 29, either at 11:30 a.m. at his office, should he return by that time from his regular Monday appointment at the White House, or definitely at 4:30 p.m. in the Senate Reception Room. Mrs. Babcock read Senator Barkley's statement from the Senate floor in November 1944 when he promised to call up the Amendment before the 78th Congress adjourned in sufficient time for the 1945 State legislatures to act on ratification. April Meeting Page 2 Miss Berrien proposed and the Committee unanimously agreed that Mrs. Babcock remain during the entire meeting. The Chairman was to head up the Deputation and introduce the speakers who would be allowed time for only one sentence as to why their respective organizations needed the Amendment. A report on the attendance at the Deputation and the remarks by each representative will be given at the next meeting of the Committee. It was voted to send the list of representatives in the Deputation over to Senator Barkley early Monday morning before the appointment. Under the subject of new business, a letter was read from the American Civil Liberties Union to the Senators, in which they expressed strong opposition to the Amendment. This letter was signed by John Haynes Holmes and Dorothy Kenyon. However, the letterhead indicated that the Board of this organization included Dr. Mary Wooley, Pearl Buck, Dorothy Canfield Fisher, and William Draper Lewis, all of whom have pledged support of the Amendment. It was decided that copies of this letter would be sent to these Board Members asking that necessary corrective action be taken. There was also presented to the Committee a letter from the Y.W.C.A. protesting passage of the Amendment, and stating that they were first opposed in 1921 (which was two years prior to the date of the first introduction of the Amendment in Congress). It is known that many of the Y.W.C.A. members as well as several of the Board Members are in favor of the Amendment. Mrs. Pearl Mesta, a prominent Democrat, will also appear before Senator Barkley with the Deputation on Monday and use the statement to the effect that "the women of the country are restless; that honor is involved; you are pledged, our Party is pledged, and our President is pledged. You are the leader of the Party; and we ask you for a vote during the week of May 6." Mrs. Wiley stated that she was attending the National Council and Regional Meetings of the National Woman's Party in Des Moines, Thursday, May 2, and will ask each member to send telegrams to Senator Barkley, urging an early vote. Mrs. Mesta said she would send a wire, even though she may not be able to attend the meeting. Mrs. Wiley also announced that a copy of her address delivered before the Berks County, Pennsylvania, Federation of Women's Clubs, was printed in the Congressional Record April 3, at the request of Congressman Hatton W. Summers. Mrs. Avery raised the question of mimeographing of the minutes of the Committee Meetings. The cost of mimeographing has become prohibitive and the secretaries will arrange to have them dittoed or have carbon copies made and distributed to the members. There was no further business and meeting adjourned, the representatives on the Deputation to meet at 11:15 a.m. Monday outside Senator Barkley's office. Respectfully, submitted, Dorothy M. Palmer Associate Secretary MINUTES OF MEETING Women's Joint Legislative Committee for Equal Rights Sunday, May 26, 1946 ** Members Present: Dr. Florence A. Armstrong, American Federation of Soroptimist Clubs Mrs. Carolina L. Babcock, Executive Secretary, National Woman's Party Miss Laura M. Berrien, National Association of Women Lawyers Mrs. Elizabeth Forbes, We, The Mothers, Mobilize for America Miss Katharine A. Norris, National Woman's Party Mrs. Dorothy M. Spinks, Alpha Iota Sorority Mrs. Mary Church Terrell, National Association of Colored Women Mrs. Harvey W. Wiley, General Federation of Women's Clubs Guest: Miss Edith Goode, National Women's Party In the absence of the Chairman (who was unable to get to Washington on account of the rail strike), the meeting was called to order by the Governor, Miss Norris, at 3 p.m. at the Alva House. Until the arrival of the Secretary, Dr. Armstrong acted in that capacity. The Treasurer reported a balance of $15.30 on hand, and the receipt of $10 dues from the General Federation of Women's Clubs and the Alpha Iota Sorority, bringing the cash on hand to $35.30. No bills were presented for payment. Mrs. Babcock reported on the Committee's deputation to Senator Barkley on April 29 and on his reply that Senator Radcliffe, chief sponsor of the Amendment, had not requested a date for vote on the floor of the Senate. She further stated that the Committee had followed that up, but still no date had been set. A letter was drafted to Senator Barkley repeating the request that a date for a vote be set at once, and that the majority party exert full effort for immediate passage. It was agreed that a copy of the letter be mailed to all Democratic members of the Steering Committee. Following discussion about a letter written by Miss Goode to Dr. John Haynes Holmes and Judge Dorothy Kenyon of the Civil Liberties Union who had expressed opposition to the Amendment, Miss Berrien made the motion, which Mrs. Wiley seconded, that Miss Goode be asked to mail her letter, already drafted with the help of Miss Elinor Byrnes. Miss Goode agreed to do so. The Committee approved making an appointment with Senator White, Minority Leader of the Senate, about calling for a vote on the Amendment. The Chairman asked Miss Berrien to arrange and conduct for the deputation, to be assisted by Mrs. Wiley and another member of the Committee or some nationally known political figure. Mrs. Babcock then reported that the National Women's Party has written letters to all State Chairmen urging all possible pressure in the Senate. These letters include letters to those State Chairmen of states wherein sponsors of the Amendment reside, to contact the sponsors relative to seeing Senator Barkley or Republican leaders about a date for a vote on the Amendment. Along this line contact has been requested with national committeewomen. Since only a short time remains before Congress adjourns, considerable discussion about obtaining the services of a publicity director ensued. Subscriptions of more than one hundred dollars were made by members present for the us of Miss Norris in carrying out the most satisfactory arrangement for all possible publicity immediately. Several prominent newspaper women were mentioned as potential contacts. The members present were urged to see that publicity for the Amendment be given at any meetings of the organizations. It was noted that three large meetings were scheduled within the next month. Mrs. Babcock then presented a news article in interview form by Vylla Poe Wilson in the Washington Times-Herald, wherein Dr. Lena Madesin Phillips urged immediate passage of the Amendment on behalf of the Business and Professional Women. Dr. Armstrong also called attention to a questions and answers mimeographed brochure which the Soroptimists had prepared and dispatched May Meeting Page 2 to all members. She also mentioned that a Quiz Time Program on the Amendment was scheduled for the next national convention of the Soroptimists, at which time a number of news stories would be given to the press. The Chairman asked that pressure be brought on the sixteen Senators whose support could be won, and whose names are listed on page 4 in the minutes of the meeting of February 29, 1946. The Chairman also asked what action had been taken by Miss Pollitzer with reference to bringing two waitresses from Connecticut to see the labor Senators and to tell them personally that they had lost their jobs because of discrimination. The Committee was told that there was illness in the family of one, but Miss Goode, who returned to the United Nations Conference in New York City following the meeting, promised to talk with Miss Pollitzer and ask her to expedite that trip. Miss Goode, representative of the National Woman's Party at the United Nations Conference, was then introduced and reported on her contacts at the San Francisco Conference and more recently in the Bronx. She explained in detail the "Report of the Sub-Commission on the Status of Women to the Commission on Human Rights", of the United Nations Economic and Social Council, dated May 13, 1946, available in mimeographed form from the Women's Bureau, Department of Labor, Washington 25, D.C. or from Hunter College, New York City. She remarked that she was especially impressed by the youth and sincerity of the members comprimising the Sub-Commission. Mrs. Bodil Begtrup of Denmark, Chairman, is doing a magnificent job but stated that she was appalled at the American woman's apathy toward equality. Miss Goode called the attention of the Committee to a study, "The Legal Status of Women in the United States of America", by the Women's Bureau, dated January 1, 1938, which study was made at the request of the League of Nations. The Committee further learned that at the present time, the Sub-Commission reports to the Commission on Human Rights, of which Mrs. Roosevelt is Chairman, and then to the Economic and Social Council, on which Mr. John Winant is the United States representative. The Sub-Commission's report has been forwarded to the Council without recommendation, and because of the breadth of the work of the Sub- Commission, Mrs. Bogtrup has been trying to have it made a full Commission. Miss Goode, therefore, recommended that a communication be dispatched to Mr. Winant, 510 Park Avenue, New York City, from the Committee requesting that (1) the Sub- Commission be made a full Commission, (2) the Sub-Commission's report be adopted by the Council verbatim, and (3) an American representative who believes in equal rights between men and women be appointed on the Status of Women Commission. Miss Goode was heartily thanked for her enlightening report, and her recommendation was adopted and dispatched. Dr. Armstrong displayed the "kit" prepared by her for the National Woman's Party to sell for $2, which contains valuable information about the Amendment. The Committee agreed that it was an excellent piece of work and was informed that it would soon be available in quantity for purchase. The Committee adjourned until June 30. Respectfully submitted, Dorothy M. Spinks, Secretary Minutes of Meeting Women's Joint Legislative Committee for Equal Rights Sunday, June 30, 1946 Members Present: Dr. Florence Armstrong, American Federation of Soroptimist Clubs Mrs. Nina B. Morton Avery, National Federation of Business and Professional Women's Clubs Miss Laura M. Berrien, National Association of Women Lawyers Mrs. Elizabeth Forbes, We, The Mothers, Mobilize for America Mrs. Dorothy Shipley Granger, St. John Society Mrs. Isadora A. Letcher, National Association of Colored Women Miss Katharine A. Norris, National Woman's Party Miss Dorothy M. Palmer, Alpha Iota Sorority Miss Anita Pollitzer, National Woman's Party Miss Ella M. Sherwin, Industrial League for Equality Dr. Alma Jane Speer, American Medical Women's Association Mrs. Dorothy M. Spinks, Alpha Iota Sorority Mrs. Mary Church Terrell, National Association of Colored Women Mrs. Harvey W. Wiley, General Federation of Women's Clubs Guests Present: Mrs. Greta Wold Boyer, National Woman's Party Miss Alice Paul, World Woman's Party The Chairman called the meeting to order at 3 p.m. in the Library of the Alva Belmont House. The minutes of the May meeting were read and corrected. The Treasurer reported the receipt of dues from the St. Joan Society, bills for postage of $1.05, and for paper of .75, making a balance on hand of $43.70. The resolution was presented that "the minutes of the meetings should be dispatched two weeks following the meeting and the notices of the next meeting should be mailed at the same time or at least two weeks before each meeting to representatives and national presidents of organizations on the Committee." Dr. Speer seconded the motion, made by Miss Norris, and it was carried. Delta Pi Epsilon was announced as a new member of the Committee, and it was reported that its Washington representative, Mrs. Edith B. Segal, would be able to give some time during two afternoon hours to the work of the Committee. Miss Berrien reported on her contacts with Senators White and Ferguson. Minority Leader White promised that he would see some other Republican Senators and they would ask the Democratic leaders--on the floor of the Senate--to take some action on the Amendment. Mrs. Boyer, who in June was employed to do publicity work for the Committee, reported on her activities in New Jersey following the regional meeting of the National Woman's Party. Her report is attached. She was highly commended on her efforts. Miss Norris made the motion that this type of work be continued as long as funds contributed by representatives on the Committee are available. Miss Sherwin seconded the motion, and it was carried. Miss Berrien further made the motion that Miss Norris and Mrs. Avery, with one other member to be appointed, conduct the continuation of publicity. Dr. Armstrong seconded the motion which was carried. (Miss Norris stated that there was approximately $110 still available for this purpose, and that $75 had been spent to date.) Mrs. Letcher reported that the National Association of Colored Women would hold its national convention in Washington beginning July 27 and invited the WJLC to attend; she also requested material for distribution to delegates and particularly to state presidents. The question was asked whether her association might June Meeting Page 2 be able to influence Mrs. Bethune, but Mrs. Terrell replied that it could not. She emphasized that the other large organizations of colored women had never taken a vote as to how they stood on the Amendment and that opposition was taken by one leader. Miss Sherwin reported that the Industrial League for Equality had sent letters to the entire Congress enclosing the leaflet "Industrial Workers and the ERA" and the Samuel Gompers' statement, both available from her. One member of the League has been in Washington twice recently and will undoubtedly be here soon again to do some lobbying. Another member is a labor organizer of the A.F. of L., and she had reported that recently she has seen much less opposition to the Amendment. Miss Sherwin stated that she felt that each organization should have one full-time representative here continuously, at this time. To the question as to whether the League might influence the three high labor leaders, Miss Sherwin reported that within the past two weeks action had been taken which ought soon to be felt here in Washington. For the St. Joan Society, Mrs. Granger reported that the contacts were being made with the other Cardinals of the Church for an expression on the Amendment. She stated that within the large Catholic organizations no vote had been taken among the members on the stand for or against the Amendment. Mrs. Forbes stated that the magazine of "We, The Mothers, Mobilize for America", had carried articles about the Amendment and the members were being educated in that way. Dr. Speer reported that women were not being admitted to medical schools on an equal basis with men and the Amendment was sorely needed now to correct this condition. Miss Palmer reported that she had attended the international convention of the Alpha Iota Sorority on May 31, at which she presented material on the Amendment and had given a speech on its present status. The members were interested and questioned her about it, and the international officers were well informed. Mrs. Avery stated that she had attended the Louisiana convention of the BPW as the representative of the National Federation, and during the convention wires were sent to Senators Ellender and Overton asking them to vote for the Amendment; while another telegram was sent to Senator Barkley asking him to bring it to a vote. The Virginia Federation took like action at its convention, on Mrs. Avery's motion. She also displayed the pamphlet "The ERA--Why Business and Professional Women Support It" (prepared by the Equal Rights Publications Committee of the National Federation of which she is chairman), which was distributed in June to Congress, the press, and national broadcasting systems. It is available to anyone from the Executive Offices of the National Federation in New York (1819 Broadway), and can be distributed by other organizations. Dr. Armstrong reported that the Soroptimists had just recently held their convention but she had no report on it as yet. She said, however, that many members of that organization were members of other organizations supporting the Amendment and were very active. Miss Berrion had nothing to report on the Women Lawyers, but Mrs. Granger stated that the Maryland Bar Association had just voted to admit women. Mrs. Wiley reported that the General Federation of Women's Clubs had written a letter dated April 23 to every member of the Senate, enclosing an excellent statement by Dorothy Ashby Moncure, entitled "The Equal Rights Amendment in the Light of the Fair Labor Standards Act", Miss Ella Sherwin's leaflet, "What the Equal Rights Amendment Will Do for You", excerpts from the United Nations Charter quoting the words, "without distinction of race, sex, language and religion", and the planks of June Meeting Page 3 the two political parties. Also, in April, Mrs. J.L. Blair Buck, Vice-President of the Federation, came up from Richmond especially to lobby ten Senators selected by the National Woman's Party. Together with Mrs. LaFell Dickinson, President of the Federation, they personally interviewed eight of the ten and talked with the secretaries of the other two, and it is understood that they made a very fine presentation of the matter. Mrs. Wiley also stated that her speech of April 3 on equal rights in the Congressional Record had been made available in pamphlet form and that 5,000 copies had been run off. Miss Paul was then asked to report on the United Nations Conference. She told in detail of the attainment of the Sub-Commission on the Status of Women to a full Commission. She mentioned that the Ukranian and Russian delegates of the Economic and Social Council had spoken in favor of the Report of the Sub-Commission and voted to have the Commission made a full Commission without limitation in its work. On May 13, 1946, the "Report of the Commission on Status of Women, No. 18" was accepted by the Economic and Social Council, and it will go before the Assembly of the United Nations in September. Following its approval, it will be presented in the form of an Equal Rights Treaty to the nations for ratification. Miss Paul recommended that letters be sent to Mr. John Winant, 510 Park Avenue New York City, to Honorable Trygve Lie, Secretary-General of the United Nations, Hunter College, New York City, and to Sir Ramaswami Midaliar, Hunter College, New York City, to (1) thank them for making the Sub-Commission a full Commission, and (2) express approval and support of the Report of the Commission, No. 18, which the Economic and Social Council accepted in a memorable session. Her recommendations were unanimously accepted and each organization promised to write such letters. It was then mentioned that Mrs. Harvey Wiley had been suggested as a candidate by the New York Federation of the Business and Professional Women's Club as the United States representative on the Commission. She was congratulated by the Committee. The Chairman then read a letter signed by Susan B. Anthony II, Chairman of the Committee on the Status of Women, Congress of American Women, opposing the Equal Rights Amendment and suggesting a substitute Amendment containing protective legislation in industry. The Chairman stated that full reply to Miss Anthony would be made. The Committee again agreed to extend every effort to bring pressure on Senator Barkley to call for a vote during this session of Congress and specifically to request Senator Radcliffe, chief sponsor, to have the Amendment given a definite position on the Senate calendar, as most of the Senate's rush legislation had been acted upon. Miss Berrien made the motion that the meeting be adjorned. It was seconded by Mrs. Wiley and carried. Respectfully submitted, Dorothy M. Spinks Secretary Attachment. REPORT OF GAETA WOLD BOYER Following the sessions of the Eastern Regional Conference in Atlantic City June 15th and 16th, contacts with the press made it seem advisable to remain there a day or two longer. We hoped to build up publicity as a possible means of influencing Senator Smith of New Jersey who had not declared himself in favor of the Equal Rights Amendment. We were told that he had been backed for election by the AAUW and League of Women Voters, and was following their advice on the Amendment. Mrs. Babcock and I both remained and interviewed many women of prominence and found them enthusiastic for the Amendment but organized and inactive. An interview was arranged with the press for Mrs. May Ackerman Johnson, a charming, most efficient person, at one time Atlantic City Chairman for the National Woman's Party. We discussed with her a plan for sending a deputation of New Jersey women to call on Senator Smith at his home in Princeton some weekend. We communicated with leaders of the BPW and Soroptimists in Atlantic City and members of the Women's Party in other parts of the State. (Atlantic City, by the way, is exceedingly BPW and Soroptimist-minded, and Mrs. Nina Avery, who is greatly honored there and whose name is an open sesame is interesting leaders of her clubs by wire and phone). With the aid of Mrs. Johnson's stimulating enthusiasm and efficiency, the deputation was practically on its way by Monday night. Mrs. Johnson kindly invited Mrs. Babcock and me to be her guests at her hotel which she owns and operates, and she was a marvel of cooperation throughout. Tuesday morning, inquiry at Senator Smith's office in Washington brought word that he would not leave the Capitol even for a weekend until after Congress was adjourned. "Then we must go to Washington", the women decided, so convinced had they become of the urgency of an interview. The difference in effort and expense entailed between a motor trip to Washington, faded into insignificance. An impressive deputation from all parts of the State was arranged while an appointment with the Senator was being awaited. He refused outright to receive any one. Mrs. Schley, Republican National Committee Woman, agreed to telephone him. She talked with his wife, who said he could not receive a delegation, and advised the women not to come, but to write letters instead. "I'll promise that the Senator will read them himself", she naively said. Wednesday, Mrs. Johnson telephoned directly to the Senator and was told rather brusquely that he couldn't see them. On her courteous insistence he grudgingly gave her permission to telephone again the following Monday to see if he would meet them, and he appeared afraid that adverse publicity might follow his refusal. Meanwhile the Managing Editor of the Atlantic City Press, Mr. Croasdale, was called upon and he proved very friendly and amenable. He consented to run an editorial. Saturday morning it appeared as the leading editorial, asking why the Amendment had not been called up for vote in the Senate, and demanding in the name of New Jersey women to know where Senator Smith stood on the Amendment. Sunday morning, Mrs. Frances Baker, assistant secretary of State, telephoned him. By Monday morning, the Senator had experienced such a change of heart that he didn't even wait for Mrs. Johnson to call him. He called her and in his best political manner said he would be glad to receive the deputation on Wednesday, but limited it to five. The hardest job of all then was to decide on the personnel of the deputation and to cross off the many who had said they would like to go. Wednesday, five distinguished women, headed by Judge Libby Sachar, head of the Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court of Union County, were cordially received by the Senator, who promised them fifteen minutes but remained three-quarters of an hour. Both the Senator and his secretary later assured the women that they "need not worry further about his vote". However, he insisted that they must go back and stir up the women of the state to make their wishes known, because so many more letters were constantly coming in against the Amendment than for it. (I have had similar reactions from some others, notably Representative Home Angell, of Oregon, one of our staunchest supporters, who said he receives practically no letters in favor of the Amendment from his state. Friday, I went to Trenton, on an appointment, to see Acting Governor Proctor, who is President of the New Jersey Senate. Mr. Proctor declared himself in thorough accord with the Amendment, but felt he should not make a public endorsement in the absence of the Governor, who has heretofore failed to give his endorsement. However, he offered to make it his first order of business with the Governor on his return, and to urge him to endorse. Should he do so, Mr. Proctor in his position as President of the Senate, will add his personal endorsement. He urged me to return July 9th when Governor Edge will be back. I then called on the Trenton News, a strong supporter of Senator Smith, and was promised an editorial there. Incidentally, the Atlantic City Press said it would later run another editorial on the merits of the Amendment itself. Mrs. Johnson and several others agreed to write open letters to the Press commending their editorial, in order to attract further attention to the work. All five members of the deputation were most favorably impressed by their interview with the Senator and were brought to a realization of the importance of keeping up a steady flow of letters and telegrams. They have promised to keep these messages coming in from their Club members. Miss Norma Jean Johnson has undertaken to organize a National Woman's Party branch in Atlantic City to affiliate with the state organizations. A story about the deputation was phoned to all the correspondents of N.J. papers here in Washington. The Atlantic City editorial is now being planographed to send with a covering letter to all the two to three hundred weeklies and semiweeklies throughout the State, with request for similar editorial action. While in Atlantic City we started women in Camden, under leadership of the BPW on getting an endorsement from Mr. George Bruner, Democratic candidate opposing Senator Smith, and Mr. Mark Jones, Independent Candidate. We found many wide-awake and influential women in New Jersey who are eager believers in the Amendment, who evidently needed only a focussing to turn their efforts into valuable work. Since returning, I have called by appointment on THE STAR to ask for an editorial. The Editor was not unfriendly to the Amendment, but most pessimistic about its coming up this late in the season. However, he is to discuss it with the rest of his staff and he has asked me to call again for their decision. *** Gaeta Wold Boyer Report -- 2 [9-29-46] Minutes of Meeting Women's Joint Legislative Committee for Equal Rights Sunday, September 29, 1946 Members Present: Mrs. Nina B. Horton Avery - National Federation of Business and Professional Women's Clubs, Inc. Mrs. Cecil Norton Broy - Mothers and Women of America, Inc. Mrs. Isadora A. Lotcher - National Association of Colored Women Miss Katherine A. Norris - National Woman's Party Miss Anita Pollitzer - National Woman's Party Dr. Alma J. Speer - American Medical Women's Association Mrs. Dorothy M. Spinks - Alpha Iota Sorority Mrs. Mary Church Terrell - National Association of Colored Women Mrs. Harvey W. Wiley - General Federation of Women's Clubs The minutes of the meeting of September 1 were read and approved. The report of the Treasurer was given as follows: Balance on hand, September 1, $49.55; disbursements for envelopes, 8.65; postage, 2.91; telegraph and telephone, 24.87; totaling $36.43; balance on hand, September 30, $13.12. Miss Norris made the motion that bills for dues be mailed to the member organizations of the Committee except the General Federation of Women's Clubs, St. Joan Society, Soroptimist Clubs, and Alpha Iota Sorority, which four have paid dues for the current year. Dr. Speer seconded the motion. The Chairman asked the members for reports of activities by their organizations since the September 1 meeting of the Committee. Mrs. Wiley reported that a letter has been drafted to all Congressional candidates expressing the stand of the General Federation in favor of the Amendment. The letter will be mailed as soon as the necessary remaining steps are taken. Miss Norris asked that she as Chairman of the Committee on Procedures be permitted to make her report at the next meeting. Mrs. Terrell reported that at the convention of the National Association of Colored Women, support of the Amendment had been reaffirmed. Mrs. Spinks stated that a full report of the speech given by Miss Palmer at the international convention of the Alpha Iota Sorority had been carried in its official paper. She stated that education of the members of her organization was the first step, and that she hoped future cooperation among the member groups within the States would attain that. Mrs. Avery reported on the joint meeting in New Haven, Connecticut of the Connecticut Committee for the Equal Rights Amendment and the Connecticut Federation of the Business and Professional Women's Clubs, Inc., where she gave an address on the Amendment. She remarked that the meeting was very stimulating and that she had MINUTES OF THE MEETING WOMEN'S JOINT LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE FOR EQUAL RIGHTS Sunday, November 24, 1946 Members Present: Miss Emma Carr Bivens, National Fed. of Business and Professional Women's Clubs, Inc. Mrs. Cecil Norton Broy, Mothers and Women of America, Inc. Miss Gertrude Crocker, American Federation of Soroptimist Clubs Mrs. Elizabeth Forbes, We, The Mothers, Mobilize for America Mrs. Elise Graff, St. Joan Society Miss Betty Jones, American Federation of Soroptimist Clubs Miss Dorothy M. Palmer, Alpha Iota Sorority Dr. Alma J. Speer, American Medical Women's Association Mrs. Dorothy M. Spinks, Alpha Iota Sorority Mrs. Mary Church Terrell, National Association of Colored Women Guests Present: Miss Laura Berrien Mrs. Helena Hill Weed In the absence of the Chairman and the Convenor, who were ill, the secretary called the meeting to order and requested a motion for appointment of a temporary chairman. The motion that Dr. Speer be appointed acting chairman was made by Miss Palmer and seconded by Miss Crocker. The minutes were read and the following correction made: Page 3, paragraph 3, strike out sentence 1 and replace as follows -- "Miss Sherwin suggested that the Committee give consideration to changing the wording of the 14th Amendment to the Constitution and drop the present Equal Rights Amendment." Miss Crocker made the motion that the minutes be approved as changed; Miss Palmer seconded the motion which was carried. The treasurer reported that letters had been mailed to presidents of all organizations delinquent in dues but no replied had been received. The rules of procedures were read and approved with the following exceptions: MEMBERSHIP: (addition of underlined word for amplification) Membership is open to such national organizations supporting equality for women as are invited to join. REPRESENTATION: Approval was withheld pending further discussion at next meeting. Two additional suggestions were made: "The national president of each organization shall be considered a member of the Committee." "Each organization...the names of one delegate and two representatives for its organization, and the delegate and one of the representatives shall be entitled to cast the vote." The Committee was congratulated upon the preparation of the rules. The following reports were made: (over) Miss Bivens, National Federation of Business and Professional Women's Clubs, Inc. -- The December Congressional Digest will be devoted to the Equal Rights Amendment, and Miss Butler submitted the Federation's statement. Mrs. Graff, St. Joan Society: Mrs. Granger, President of the Society, has accepted a speaking engagement in February before the Richmond Catholic Woman's Club on the subject of the Amendment. Miss Crocker, American Federation of Soroptimist Clubs: At present the local clubs are trying to get support of the Amendment in the home states before Congress convenes. The organizations who cooperated in getting pledges from newly elected Congressmen obtained 177 pledges to support the Amendment out of the total 435; and of the 35 newly elected Senators, 22 have pledged support. Miss Biven and Mrs. Graff reported: The Committee was able to conduct a very quiet campaign in North Carolina and succeeded in obtaining a 50,000 majority on the referendum vote to change the wording of the State constitution from "male" to "person" (which it is anticipated will give North Carolina women equality). Mrs. Forbes suggested that the Committee send notes to Mrs. Avery, who is convalescing from an emergency operation at the Medical College of Virginia Hospital, Richmond on November 22. The Committee heartily agreed. Mrs. Weed, National Woman's Party, was asked to report on the study of changing the wording of the Amendment. She stated that the National Council of the Party appointed the following Committee of which she is chairman: Dr. Margaret H. Sebree, Miss Anna B. Hogan, Mrs. Nora Stanton Barney, Miss Alice Paul. At the time it was anticipated that suggestions would be submitted for study, but since no alternatives to present Amendment have been received, no study has been made. The Committee was reminded that the Senate Judiciary Committee requested that the present wording be accepted in 1943, and it would be necessary to reeducate the entire Congress if a new Amendment were introduced. To the disappointment of the Committee, Miss Berrien said that she was attending the meeting as a guest since the National Association of Women Lawyers has withdrawn its affiliation with any Committees. Miss Adele Springer of New York is the newly elected president of the National Association which still does support the Amendment. Mrs. Spinks reported that Judge Dorothy Kenyon had been appointed to the United Nations Organization, Status of Women Commission, as United States representative. Miss Crocker moved that the meeting be adjourned and Mrs. Graff seconded the motion which was carried. Respectfully submitted, Dorothy M. Spinks Secretary -2- See Last Page MINUTES OF MEETING WOMEN'S JOINT LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE FOR EQUAL RIGHTS Sunday, January 5, 1947 Members Present: Miss Emma Carr Bivens, National Federation of Business and Professional Women's Clubs, Inc. Miss Gertrude Crocker, American Federation of Soroptimist Clubs, Inc. Mrs. Meta Grace Keebler, National Woman's Party Mrs. Isadora A. Letcher, National Association of Colored Women Miss Katharine A. Norris, National Woman's Party Miss Anita Pollitzer, National Woman's Party Dr. Alma J. Speer, American Medical Women's Association Mrs. Dorothy M. Spinks, Alpha Iota Sorority Mrs. Mary Church Terrell, National Association of Colored Women Mrs. Harvey W. Wiley, General Federation of Women's Clubs, Inc. In the absence of the Chairman, who sent greetings and reported that she was convalescing rapidly from her operation, the Convenor presided and called the meeting to order. The minutes of the November meeting were read and approved with the following correction: Page 2, paragraph 6, insert in parenthesis following sentence 2 about revision of Amendment (Miss Paul did not consent to serve on this committee." The Treasurer's report is appended to these minutes. Following discussion of rules of procedure, it was agreed to report again on the wording of the clause on membership at the next meeting. The following clause on representation was approved: "Each organization admitted to membership in the WJLC shall send to the convenor the names of two representatives for its organization, both of whom will be entitled to vote at each meeting of the Committee. If either or both of the designated representatives of an organization are unable to attend any meeting, they may designate, in writing, the name or names of two persons to attend this particular meeting and cast the vote." During the casting of votes Mrs. Wiley dissented and stated that her reason for not approving of both representatives casting individual votes was "this is an organization of organizations and not an organization of individuals. Moreover, the Women's Joint Congressional Committee, composed of 22 bona fide national organizations, which has functioned successfully for 20 years, has acted on that principle." The following reports were made: Mrs. Letcher: The National Bar Association which met in Detroit, November 28- December 1 passed a resolution supporting the Amendment. Dr. Speer: Latin-American Commission of Women at the Pan-American Union Building in Washington, in December, and had as guest speaker, Benjamin Cohen, diplomat from Peru, who devoted most of his inspiring speech to the Amendment. Miss Norris: Mr. Givens of the NEA informed her that Miss Boyer will continue to represent that organization on this Committee until a legislative chairman is appointed by the Association. He further stated that the Association does support the Amendment. Miss Bivens: Mrs. Butler, president of the BPW, wrote a strong letter to the Honorable Carroll Reece, Chairman, Republican Party (before its national committee meeting) reminding him that his Party was pledged to the Amendment and asked him to lend his personal support in strengthening the stand of the Amendment on that Party's platform. Following discussion, it was unanimously agreed that expressions of appreciation be sent by the Committee to those who led the fight for the North Carolina referendum on equality, as follows: Hon. Josephus Daniels, Mrs. Dess Gurganus, Mrs. John Forrest, and Mrs. Dingle. Mrs. Wiley made the suggestion that, since no assistance was given (after a considerable sum had been voluntarily contributed by members of the Committee), the contributors to the North Carolina fund be asked whether they would not approve turning over the fund to the Treasurer of the WJLC for Equal Rights to be used for the work of the Committee. The Treasurer's report shows that our funds are exhausted. Mrs. Wiley voluntarily instructed Miss Norris to keep the $10 she had given and record it as dues for the General Federation. The Committee unanimously voted not to alter the wording of the Equal Rights Amendment. The attention of the group was called to the splendid contributions of members of the National Woman's Party and friends to the Congressional Digest, December, 1946, which issue was entirely devoted to presentation of arguments on both sides of the present Amendment. All contributors were enthusiastically thanks by the Committee. Miss Pollitzer reported that she had contacted leaders in the House of Representatives, who suggested that Judge Robsion (Kentucky), former Senator and influential Republican on House Judiciary Committee, be asked to be chief sponsor for the Amendment because he was one of the early supporters and is in a strategic position to assist in present activity. Judge Robsion accepted and said he was going to try to help get the Amendment passed. It was introduced on January 9. Mrs. Wiley made the motion that the Committee and each organization write Mr. Robsion to thank him for accepting the chief sponsorship for the 80th Congress. Miss Bivens seconded the motion, which was passed. Because Mr. Robsion wants to read the names of the sponsors of the Amendment on the floor of the House, within the next week or two, Miss Pollitzer asked what action might be taken to obtain as great a list of sponsors as possible. She stated that Mrs. Emma Guffey Miller and Mrs. U. S. Guyer, Congressional Chair- men of the NWP, will send letters to all members of the House in favor of the Amendment inviting them to be co-sponsors. Following discussion, Mrs. Spinks made the motion that the Committee and each organization contact all members of Congress in whatever way is most satisfactory to ask them to be co-sponsors with Representative Robsion for the Amendment and report back to the Committee. Mrs. Keebler seconded the motion, which was carried. Miss Norris stated that the Committee will prepare two letters to the Congressmen, one addressed particularly to those who have already expressed approval of the Amendment, and another to those who have expressed neither approval nor disapproval. She urged that the member organizations act quickly. Mrs. Letcher made the motion that the meeting be adjourned; Mrs. Terrell seconded the motion, which was carried. Respectfully submitted, Dorothy M. Spinks, Secretary. Treasurer's Report Attached -2- Transcribed and reviewed by contributors participating in the By The People project at crowd.loc.gov.