Equality vs. Privilege

Diametrically opposed measures relating to women's rights are the subject of bitter controversy in the New York Legislature. The National Woman's Party has endorsed 25 so-called "equality" bills now undergoing a hearing before the Senate Committee on Codes. Some of these bills, embodying the National Woman's Party principle that women should be treated on terms of literal equality with men, would abrogate nearly all the rights and immunities that women have won in industry, in domestic relations, and as child-bearers, after a continuous struggle of half a century. Women leaders opposed to the extremist tactics of the National Women's Party assert that because of the fundamental and inescapable differences between men and women in physique, endurance, and social function, the relinquishment of women's privileges would plunge them back into chattel slavery--a slavery dictated not by the superior authority of men, as formerly, but by the logic of economic necessity.

Among the bills bearing Governor Smith's written approval is a minimum wage act and an act limiting woman labor to 48 hours a week. These bills, in their present form, are being opposed by the National Woman's Party.

Women who have achieved success in callings in which men have hitherto been undisputed leaders will assemble in New York in May, 1924, at a great congress under the auspices of the American Women's Association. Personages on the list will include:

15 Mayors,

6 explorers,

41 technical engineers.

In addition, women writers, brokers, stock raisers, architects, under- takers, engravers, jewelers, doctors, farmers, editors, lawyers, clerics.

After 14 years' leadership of the New York City League of Women Voters, Miss Mary Garrett Hay announced that she will retire.

It is reported that Mrs. Carrie Chapman Catt will retire shortly from the presidency of the International Woman Suffrage Alliance. Her resignation is expected to take place at the May Congress of the Alliance in Rome, when her successor will be chosen.

San Francisco women are planning construction of two great buildings to house their expanding activities. One of these will have facilities for 90 women's clubs and 80 member organizations. The other will contain the Women's City Club, whose membership numbers 6,000. Each building will cost nearly $1,000,000.

" A woman upon every school board in the State of Illinois " is the announced goal of the Illinois League of Women Voters.