Suffragists -- United States; Women -- Suffrage -- United States
Bernard Baruch, then member of the Advisory Committee of the Council of
National Defense, later economic expert at the Peace Conference, was
able to see the war and the women’s problem at the same time. He is an
able politician and was therefore sensitive to our appeal; he saw the
passage of the amendment as a political asset. I do not know how much
he believed in the principle. That was of minor importance. What was
important was that he agreed to tell the President that he believed it
wise to put more pressure on the measure in the Senate. Also I believe
Mr. Baruch was one member of the Administration who realized in the
midst of the episode that arresting women was bad politics, to say
nothing of the doubtful chivalry of it.
George Creel, chairman of the Committee on Public Information, was also
asked for help. We went to him many times, because his contact with the
President was constant. A suffragist of long standing, he nevertheless
hated our militant tactics, for he knew we were winning and the
Administration was losing. He is a strange composite. Working at
terrific tension and mostly under fire, he was rarely in calm enough
mood to sit down and devise ways and means.
“But I talk to the President every day on this matter”—and—“I am doing
all I can”—and—“The President is doing all he can”—he would drive at
you—without stopping for breath.
“But if you will just ask him to get Senator ——”
“He is working on the Senator now. You people must give him time. He
has other things to do,” he would say, sweeping aside every suggestion.
Familiar advice!
Charles D. Hilles, former Chairman of the Republican National
Committee, was a leader who had come slowly to believe in national
suffrage. But, once convinced, he was a faithful and dependable
colleague who gave practical political assistance.
William Randolph Hearst in powerful editorials called upon the Senators
to act. Mr. R. J. Caldwell of New York, life-long suffragist, financier
and man of affairs, faithfully and persistently stood by the amendment
and by the militants. A more generous contributor and more diligent
ally could not be found. A host of public men were interviewed and the
great majority of them did help at this critical juncture. It is
impossible to give a list that even approaches adequacy, so I shall not
attempt it.
Our pressure from below and that of the leaders from above began to
have its effect. An attempt was made by Administration leaders to force
a vote on May 19, 1918. Friends interceded when it was shown that not
enough votes were pledged to secure passage. Again the vote was
tentatively set for June 27th and again postponed.
The Republicans, led by Senator Gallinger, provided skirmishes from
time to time. The Administration was accused on the floor of blocking
action, to which accusation its leaders did not even reply.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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