American Notes Washington

Change just keeps grinding away at the Cosmos Club, that 107-year-old Washington institution with the slightly seedy lobby and stately French Renaissance facade. In 1962 the club's rule excluding blacks was dropped, but only after several members resigned and President John F. Kennedy's nomination was withdrawn over the blackballing of Carl Rowan. Now the issue concerns the policy encapsulated by a small gold sign at the base of the club's red-carpeted staircase: MEMBERS AND MALE GUESTS ONLY AT THIS HOUR. Not since its founding in 1878 has the 3,000-member Cosmos included a woman.

Last week the club's board of management considered the matter of Samuel Hayes, 75, a retired economist who heads a committee that has been pressing to admit women. In a letter to members, the board described Hayes' crusade as "ungentlemanly." So far, no disciplinary action has been announced. The prowomen faction vowed to push ahead. "The club has suffered from this exclusionary policy," said an unrepentant Hayes last week. "We have cut ourselves off from society." The last time the membership was surveyed on the issue, in 1980, 41% supported the admission of women.