'Gfje Discerning Official Organ League of Women Voters

VOL. 1. HURON, SOUTH DAKOTA, NOVEMBER, 1925 NO. 4. m

"A Very Small River Will Carry a Good Deal of Water to Sea—If It Keeps Going."

THE PEOPLE AND THE STARTING OF WARS YEA —VERILY "Wars are made by governments, acting under If anyone has felt uncertain regarding the bane­ the influence of the governmental theory. And of ful effect which compulsory army drilling may ex­ this fact— for a fact it is among civilized western ercise over those who come under its influence, that ^M peoples in modern times — no better example could sense of uncertainty must surely have been dissi­ be given than the recent war. Before it broke out pated if the words of an army officer towards the nobody outside governmental and journalistic circles business of drilling, published in a recent number was expecting it. Nobody desired it. And though, of the American Mercury had been read. Good 111: while it was being waged, all the nations concerned citizenship is an excellent thing, he declared, and were passionately interested in it, and all believed so are religion, filial affection and brotherly love. themselves to be fighting in a righteous cause, yet "But they are not the ends of an army. An army no ordinary citizen in the days preceding its out­ exists to kill men, when ordered, in the nation's break would have maintained that there was any quarrel, irrespective of justice. It should train good reason for war, and few even knew what the men to that single end." And then as if to add reasons1 alleged were or might be insult to injury, he continued: "I do not mean that The nations who were carrying on the war, at its members should insult women or steal chickens. the cost of incalulable suffering, would never have I am not advocating riotous hard guys. But if it is made it if the decision had rested with them. That a choice between praising God and going to bayonet is the one indisputable fact. How can such a fact drill, God should wait. If we object to any of our citi­ occur? How is it possible for governments to drag zens thus specializing on murderous and unchristian into war peoplesi who did not desire war and who activities, we should abolish the army. If we want have no quarrel with one another? The immediate any army, we should recognize it for what it is. We answer is simple enough. In no country is there should not lie about its being a school of citizenship any effective control by the people over foreign or manual training, nor clutter up its drill grounds policy."—G. Lowes Dickinson. with disciples for those irrelevant arts."

WORLD COURT OPPOSITION THE PEACE PRIMER "No episode in contemporary foreign relations has Every League in South Dakota should supply it­ enlisted so widespread popular support in America self with a number of the Peace Primers which were asi the proposal that we should join the World Court. exhibited at the Mitchell Convention. Events in Europe have immeasurably strengthened The Peace Primer is prepared by Mrs. E. K. Bow­ the World Court cause in the United States. . . . man of Helena, Montana. She is Chairman of the This writer has been supplied in an authoritative Montana League Department of International Co­ quarter with the names of the 16 senators who are operation to Prevent War. It sells for 20c a copy known to be either openly opposed to American en­ in lots of five or more, and copies can be secured try, or whose attitude is so doubtful that they are from Mrs. E. W. Feige, Huron, S. D. classed as opponents. The list is as follows: The Peace Primer contains 19 lessons in which Republican;i: Borah of Idaho, Pepper of Penn­ the main ideas treated are the World Court, the sylvania, Moses of New Hampshire, Wadswortli of League of Nations, Outlawry of War, and general New York, LaFolIette of Wisconsin, Brookhart of arbitral procedure. Iowa, Johnson of California, Reed of Pennsylvania, Here is a concrete activity to accompany your Norris of Nebraska, Norbeek of South Dakota, altruistic emotions about preventing war. Howell .of Nebraska. Total 11. Democrats: Reed of Missouri, Dill of Washing­ INTERNATIONAL LAW AND INTERNATIONAL ton, Blease of South Carolina, Copeiand of New RELATIONS York. Total 4. This is a book published by the American Founda­ V V.rmer-Labor : Shipsitead of . Total 1." tion, 565 Fifth Ave., New York. Price 75c. This —Frederic Wm. Wile in volume is an excellent small handbook for the stu­ The Christian Science Monitor. dent of foreign relations.

m 5/^WM* mmM §m

The Discerning Voter.

THE DISCERNING VOTER of state study. Next year let us keep these two excellent features and add another—that of print­ Published by the of ing our own leaflets upon state matters, so that our Women Voters members may have authoritative sources for study. Ethelyn Miller Hartwich, Editor. Mrs. John L. Pyle, President THE PERSONALITY OF THE DISCERNING Huron, S. D. - - - Subscription, 50c per annum VOTER 356 Wyoming Avenue Excerpts from the Editor's Address at Convention Entered as second class matter at the Postoffice We are young and in the process of at Huron, S. D. forming our policies, but the organization we rep­ resent imposes certain characteristics upon usi in THE EDITOR OBSERVES the beginning. We must measure up, if we can, to the literary WE WANT TO KNOW standard set by the National. We have all studied When people disapprove the World Court, we con­ the League literature with detached admiration. Its fess a curiosity as to their real motive, but chiefly leaflets! are masterpieces of English. Every word we want to know, — and we want to be answered in them is at work. They are faultlessly clear. They clearly — just what constructive measure they are show no bias. They are based on sound reasoning. offering as a substitute towards permanent peace. The League of Women Voters does not work by appeal to the emotions, but to the intellect. . . . VIEWING WITH ALARM Our organization is simple but embracing. Every There are two regrettable thought-habits at pres­ thing isi specific. There is no generalizing. And ent evident in some of our American women. One so because we represent a fact-finding and fact- is, that any adverse criticism of our government is dissem'nating organization, we must name for our disloyal. The other is dwelling upon the "Reds." primary purpose, in The Discerning Voter, the dis­ As to the first — let us keep our wit31 about semination of information .... but because our us. We are the government. It is for us to cast printing space is limited, we come to our second our vote at every election, in order to be loyal to purpose which is to stimulate thought. Since our the principle upon which our government rests. It space is so limited, we must cultivate the sprightly is likewise our obligation to study the issues before art of the paragrapher. Every word must do its voting. Having done these two things, it then work, and the paragraph must make the reader becomes our further duty to observe the results of thnk, and in thinking, amplify for himself the our work. Surely disloyalty is not the name for whole subject. our dissatisfaction with our own structure. The vital message for you to carry home is this: You say the theory is more sublime than the fact. The editor is only a service factor. League mem­ We ask in rep.y if it would be, did a reasonable bers must aid in the building. . . . Write to the percent of elig-ble voters express! themselves at editor. .. . The more there is on her desk at press each election. t'me to choose from, the more clearly will The Dis­ As to the second lamentable thought-habit,—that cerning Voter carry the spirit of the state league. of harping upon the Reds, the Bolshevists in our The personality of The Discerning Voter is cap­ midst—it seems to us a pitiable waste of mental able of a dual interpretation, as has doubtless oc­ force. To sip-read the fact that there are seventeen curred to you. The name was chosien for that. socialistic schools here and eleven there gets us no­ The Discerning Voter is a woman too. Her earn­ where. est patriotism finds sincere expression in the realm Instead, join that organization, or those organ­ of politics. Needless to say, she casts her vote at izations, which are doing an affirmative thing to­ every election, and as a discerning voter, has cer- wards educat ng our youth and our citizenry in ta'n outstanding characteristics. Let us consider American fundamentals. When you are eagerly what they are. doing your part along these lines, the negative ex­ First of ail, she is after the Truth, whatever it- pression, the tendency to "view with alarm" be­ proves to be. comes a thing you haven't time for. Her view is world-wide. She is an American, GOALS yes, but she is a citizen of a world which is grow­ A year ago the South Dakota League attained to ing constantly smaller, where shortly we may cross the dignity of stature indicated by a budget plan­ the broad Atlantic by dirigible in 24 hours;. ned and adopted. This year we retained that ac­ She will not be hampered by prejudice, racial reli­ hievement and added another,—a planned program gious, or political. M^s^^^^-

The Discerning Voter.

She does not scold. She knows that nothing con­ was cordial indeed. So smoothly did the local structive is wrought save in a friendly spirit. wheels of convention run, that those in attendance As a working League member, she has opinions were totally unaware that there were any. But a without becoming opinionated. retrospective thought renews appreciation of much She holds no grudges, for she believes with Stev­ labor and good taste in banquet arrangements, con­ enson, that the woman who cannot forgive any vention hall and minor details. The banquet was mortal thing is a green hand at life. truly a joyous occasion, gastronomically and so cially. Mrs. Kelley's graceful introductions of She is ever ready to relinquish a cherished plan Board members and county presidents were as of her own to embrace a better tone offered by some­ clever as were the impromptu responses of those one else. she called upon. All of them were charmingly re­ And because she is a student of human nature, luctant to occupy a moment of Miss Lathrop's talk­ she never arouses an altruistic emotion without of­ ing time. Nevertheless we were proud to have fering a concrete activity to accompany it. them introduced and to prove to the world there And lastly, she is persistent, but patient, for she present that the days are fled when "If you aint knows that very little worth while is accomplished pretty you gotta be smart," for surely those League in a hurry. leaders' are beautiful women, and everyone knows they are "smart." VIGNETTES AT CONVENTION The Mitchell Convention was a great success!, not SPECIAL ACTION OF CONVENTION perhaps in point of attendance, but in earnestness The South Dakota League of Women Voters in and student-attitude. convention assembled declares itself in favor of m m M'ss Julia Lathrop, whose presence was the the entrance of the United State si into the Court generous; gift of the national, established a personal of International Justice. We are united in re­ touch, at some time during the sessions, with nearly questing our United States Senators to vote in a every delegate. It was in those moments, more, way which will accomplish this result without possibly than in her speeches, that we absorbed delay or compromise. most enrichment from the wealth of her experiences and her eonclus ons. CONVENTION ACCOUNTS CONTINUED Mrs. Parkes has been well named Pepnginger, for she was ever alert, interesting and enthusiastic. Her Owing to limited space we are -obliged to con­ hand rested constantly upoa .the helm to steer us tinue Conventions accounts in the December issue. into the port of consciousness. Un­ Those which will be presented then include: der her guidance the Board presented a plan for tha Wadsworth-Garrett Amendment state program, the outstanding achievement of this Senator Lauritz Miller year's eonvent'.on. This hast been a much needed Living Costs Mrs. E. Pearce feature of our state work and we anticipate re­ Status of Shepherd Towner Measure newed impetus from its aid to our studies in prepa­ ration for another legislative year. Mrs. Parkes in S. D. Dr. Clara Hayes has spent ten weeks of the last year in South Da­ World Peace W. R. Ronald kota. Her services and expenses for th's time have Legal Status of Women cost the Fifth Reg.on treasury about $700, and Miss Dorothy Rehfeld South Dakota owes gratitude and definite accom­ plishment in return. Mrs. Wihion of Huron and Mrs. Dillon of Pierre OFFICERS conducted that inspirational and necessary feature of the program, the presentation of the budget. The nominating committee reported and the dele­ A budget is now part of our thought-ihabit as a gates voted in favor of keeping the five officers of s^ate league, and accordingly the machinery of our the League unchanged. The list of committee chair­ existence is established. Mrs. Pyle carries' with her always the spirit and manships is not yet complete, but it will be pub­ unflinching courage of the suffrage days in which lished in the December number. sLie and other devoted ones carried on despite dis­ President, Mrs. John L. Pyle, Huron couragements and rebu.fs well calculated to unnerve Vice Fresident, Mrs. S. X. Way, Watertown the most ardent enthusiast. It is to these unflag- Secretary, Mrs. Fred Hoffman, Sioux Falls g ng workers of su.frage campa'gn days that we owe our present equality at the ballot box. Treasurer, Mrs. E. F. Wilson, Huron Mrs. Tuttle as leader of our Mitchell hostesses Chm. Finance, Mrs. C. H. Dillon, Pierre The Discerning Voter.

PROGRAM OF WORK FOR THE SOUTH DAKOTA LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS 1925-1926

Adopted at Convention at Mitchell, October, 1925

To carry out the purposes for which the League legal discriminations against women. It recognizes was organized, the program consists of the follow­ that this object can be securely accomplished only ing lines for study and action. Its first aim is to in­ by the specific correction of state laws. Blanket crease the number of responsible voting citizens, legislation, either state or federal, is disapproved. I. Department of Efficiency in Government. Recommendationis: Recommendations: For Study: 1. Study of County Administration. The Uniform Marriage Act, proposed by the Na­ 2. Study of Wadsworth-Garrett Amendment tional Committee on Legal Status of Women. (Now with the Constitution as a background. obtainable in pamphlet form from said committee.) II. Public Welfare in Government. For Legislation. Committee on Child Welfare. The national program of this committee insofar Recommendations: as it is applicable to South Dakota, namely: For Study 1. Eligibility of Women for jury service. 1. Child Placement Bill. 2. Uniform marriage law including the aboli­ 2. Bill relating to Education of Feeble-minded. tion of common law marriage. 3. State program for carrying out the purpose 3. Competency of each spouse to testify in any of the Maternity and Infancy Act and its court at law or in equity where the other administration. spouse may be a party. —~ _ 4. Federal Child Labor Amendment. 4. A half-interest and control by each spouse For Legislation. of all property (except the property receiv­ 1. 'State appropriation &r Girls' 'Industrial ed by gift or inheritance and income ac­ School cruing therefrom) acquired after marriage 2. Adequate appropriation for carrying out the by either or both of the spouses with power puroses of the Maternity and Infancy Act. in each spouse to devise and bequeath a one- Committee on Education. half interest in this property. ^. Recommendations: 5. Women voters -should be adequately repre­ For Study. sented at all party conventions, and all 1. Equalizing the financial burden of school partisan committees and boards elected by support. the voters. 2. Importance of kindergarten training as a Committee on Living Costs. foundation of a child's education. Recommendations: The adoption of the national 3. Trained teachers dn all schools. program of this committee as a state program. 4. Qualified persons on board of education. III. Department of International Cooperation to 5. Federal Department of Education. -Prevent War. 6. Results of Federal and State Aid.to Edu­ Recommendations: Further study of the World cation in the State. Court and the favoring of prompt entry of the Committee on Legal Status of Women. United States into the Court of International Jus­ This program has one object: the removal of tice. <*V ) £3S&BSREK£BSBnaE t t JOIN THE LEAGUE fV And identify yourself with informed voters. xV f Dues with subscription to THE DISCERNING VOTER are $1.00. Join the local League if •;• T there is one or become a State Member by filling out the blank below and sending it with $1.00 t X to Mrs. E. F. Wilson, Treasurer, South Dakota League of Women Voters, Huron, South Dakota. y Name Address f f V League Members and others who desire Sustaining Memberships, $10.00, write to the Finance V t Chairman, Mrs. C. H. Dillon, Pierre, South Dakota. t t X