We, therefore, take these empty words, spoken by President Wilson this afternoon, and consign them to the flames. [Illustration: LUCY BRANHAM BURNING THE PRESIDENT’S WORDS AT THE LAFAYETTE MONUMENT. Photo Copr. Harris and Ewing, Washington, D. C.] [Illustration: THE RUSSIAN ENVOY BANNER, AUGUST, 1917. Photo Copr. Harris and Ewing, Washington, D. C.] This is a symbol of the indignation of American women at the treatment given by the President to their plea for democracy. We have protested to this Administration by banners; we have protested by speeches; we now protest by this symbolic act. As in the ancient fights for liberty the crusaders for freedom symbolized their protest against those responsible for injustice by consigning their hollow phrases to the flames, so we, on behalf of thousands of Suffragists, in this same way today, protest against the action of the President and his Party in delaying the liberation of American women. For five years, women have appealed to this President and his Party for political freedom. The President has given words, and words, and words. Today, women receive more words. We announce to the President and the whole world today, by this act of ours, our determination that words shall no longer be the only reply given to American women—our determination that this same democracy, for whose establishment abroad we are making the utmost sacrifice, shall also prevail at home. Applause greeted these spirited words. As Jessie Hardy Mackaye started to speak, a man in the crowd handed her a twenty-dollar bill for the Woman’s Party. Others began passing money to her. The Suffragists were busy running through the crowd collecting it. The crowd continued to applaud and cheer. Mrs. Mackaye said: Against the twofold attitude on the part of the Senate toward democracy, I protest with all the power of my being. The same Congress and the same Administration that are appropriating billions of dollars and enlisting the services of millions of men to establish democracy in Europe, is at the same time refusing to do so common a piece of justice as to vote to submit the Woman Suffrage Amendment to the States. This was the first time the President’s words were burned. The President’s car drove up to the door during the progress of this demonstration, and President Wilson stepped in. But instead of going out at the usual gate, the driver turned the car about, so that he could make his exit elsewhere. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ VII THE PRESIDENT APPEALS TO THE SENATE TO PASS THE SUFFRAGE AMENDMENT