s and of the gallant men in our fleets;
as the present spokesman of this people in our dealings with the men
and women throughout the world who are now our partners; as the
responsible head of a great government which stands and is questioned
day by day as to its purpose, its principles, its hope.... I tell you
plainly that this measure which I urge upon you is vital to the
winning of the war and to the energies alike of preparation and of
battle.

And not to the winning of the war only. It is vital to the right
solution of the great problems which we must settle, and settle
immediately, when the war is over. We shall need in our vision of
affairs, as we have never needed them before, the sympathy and insight
and clear moral instinct of the women of the world. The problems of
that time will strike to the roots of many things that we have
hitherto questioned, and I for one believe that our safety in those
questioning days, as well as our comprehension of matters that touch
society to the quick, will depend upon the direct and authoritative
participation of women in our counsels. We shall need their moral
sense to preserve what is right and fine and worthy in our system of
life as well as to discover just what it is that ought to be purified
and reformed. Without their counsellings we shall be only half wise.

That is my case. This is my appeal. Many may deny its validity, if
they choose, but no one can brush aside or answer the arguments upon
which it is based. The executive tasks of this war rest upon me. I ask
that you lighten them and place in my hands instruments, spiritual
instruments, which I have daily to apologize for not being able to
employ.

FOOTNOTES:

[152] See Life and Work of Susan B. Anthony, page 1221 and following.

[153] Executive Committee: Mrs. Mary T. L. Gannett, chairman; Mrs.
Georgia F. Raynsford, first vice-chairman; Mrs. Helen B. Montgomery,
second; Mrs. William S. Little, third; Mrs. W. L. Howard, fourth; Mrs.
Henry G. Danforth, treasurer; Miss Jeannette W. Huntington, assistant;
Miss Charlotte P. Acer, corresponding secretary; Mrs. Emma B. Sweet,
assistant; Mrs. Adele R. Ingersoll, recording secretary. Security
Trust Co., Rochester, N.Y., Financial Agent.

A national committee of prominent women was formed.

[154] For the purpose of making a clear distinction between the two
amendments the name of Susan B. Anthony is permitted in this one
instance for the original Federal Amendment.