Humor, Reason

The quinquennial of the International Council of Women met in Washington, D. C. (TIME, May 11), under fire of suspicion. At first it was disorganized by jealousy and ridicule.

Some Negro singers refused to sing because they had been "segregated" in the audience. This turned out to be a mistake of the box-office man.

Some white women who had paid $100 as patrons of the Council failed to receive tickets to the White House reception. Their desire to see the President had been underestimated. They got tickets for the next day.

Mrs. Henry Villard's peace booklets were removed from the distributing table. She had understood that they were permitted.

At this juncture, a remarkable personality came to the fore. Ask a dozen political women what woman is most fitted to be President of the U. S. and six will answer: Carrie Chapman Catt. She put the 19th Amendment into the Constitution. This widow of an Iowa newspaperman has probably presided over more congregations of women, has composed more intra-sex quarrels, than any other contemporary.

As she spoke to the disturbed Council, the smile of humor was on her mouth, the light of reason in her eyes. An apology was due, she said, for the discourtesy of a few U. S. women to the visiting delegates. The War frightened some U. S. women and they have not recovered: "They especially fear two institutions from there [Europe], the League of Nations and Soviet Russia." These are equal in menace to the security of this Nation. They believe the League is framed "to disarm the nations," to prepare the way for "a mighty army from the north, carrying Red banners," which "will seize our Nation and turn it into a Soviet America."

The audience laughed, cheered, proceeded to business in a happier frame of mind.

A few days later, the League and the World Court were overwhelmingly supported on resolution of British Mrs. George Cadbury.

Lady Aberdeen was reflected President and the meeting was adjourned for five years.