Mamie Shields Pyle correspondence, 1918-01

Columbia S.D. Jan. 23 1918 My dear Mrs. Pyle:- We shall be very pleased to do all we can to help this cause along. We believe a government of the people and as a rule women are people, We have been reading the Woman Citizen for the last year and our subscription is about to expire so we shall appreciate the exchagne. We have placed the Universal Franchise League on our mailing list. Sincerely S.A. Cochran Editor Columbian

January 11th, 1918.

Mrs. May P. Ghrist, Miller, So. Dak.

My dear Mrs. Ghrist:--

Since we pledged ourselves to run a campaign that would in no wise seem to interfer with the wat work of women and since it is, even in ordinary times, difficult to get women to attend their organization meetings, I have been doing considerable thinking and planning to get around these difficulties. The very best solution, as I see it, is to have campaign committees of three in each county, with one committee woman, or man, in every township. This is a political organization. Where there is a franchise league already in existance, then they should elect their campaign committee, with full power to act. The said committee should, and must be, composed of the best material possible. This method would release the suffragistsfor their war work, excepting as they would be called upon for special tasks by the committees. Many of our counties that were carried the last time, were conducted entirely by a committee, instead of leagues. I want to hear from you, as soon as possible, in regard to this, as Mrs. McMahon and Miss Pidgeon, the national organizers, are to be here by the 15th of January, ready for work.

You will want to know some thing of the convention at Washington and what the National Board did for us. First of all, I want to say that the convention was most inspiring and helpful. Of course, much of the stress was put upon the National amendment. I think, perhaps, it was the most largely attended of any of the conventions and all the women there seemed to come with one purpose and that was, if possible, to influence their respective congressment to vote for the federal amendment. They must be happy there in Washington, today, since the amendment carried in the House by about 136 votes. This is the bulletin received at the Huronite office, to-day, at about 11 o'clock. Now as to what the National Board did for us; the old proposition, presented to us at Pierre, was cleaned off the slate. We made a budget of $30,000. The National pledged $10,000 in press work, circularization and organization and will give $1,000 out-right to start our campaign; South Dakota to try to raise $20,000. However, their gift is not con-

[1918, Jan. 11]

Mrs. Ghrist-3-

tingent upon our meeting certain demands, as before.

We must have our county organizations made, as soon as possible, as there is much that could be done from this office, through the county machine. ! am sending you, under separate cover, a copy of Mrs. Catt's annual address, whloh was very opportunely addressed to members of Congress. I am enclosing ooples of the telegrams which I sent to each of our Congressmen, on Wednesday night. Also copy of a letter which I am aending to all of the editors In South Dakota, who are friendly to our cause. Please let me hear from you very soon.

This is ja copy of a letter which I am sending to each of the members of the Board and I suppose that within a few days I will get their expressions to this, although I am sure they will be favorable.

I trust that you returned home safely and feel well. 1 was very glad, indeed, to have you come down and enjoyed the little visit we had, aside from the business of the trip.

Sincerely,

January 11th 1918.

Mrs. Ruth B. Hippel, Pierre, So. Dak.

My dear Mrs. Hipple:--

Since we pledged ourselves to run a campaign that would in no wise seem to interfer with the war work of women and since it is, even in ordinary times difficult to get women to attend their organization meetings, I have been doing considerable thinking and planning to get around these difficulties. The very best solution, as I see it, is to have campaign committees of three in each county, with one committee woman, or man, in every township. This is a political organization. Where there is a franchise league already in existance, then they should elect their campaign committee, with full power to act. The said committee should, and must, be composed of the best material possible. This method would release the suffragists for their war work, excepting as they would be called upon for special tasks by the committees. Many of our counties what were carried the last time, were conducted by committees, instead of leagues. I want to hear from you, as soon as possible, in regard to this, as Mrs. McMahon and Miss Pidgeon, the National organizers, are to be here by the 15th of January, ready for work.

You will want to know some thing of the convention at Washington and what the National Board did for us. First of all, I want to say that the convention was most inspiring and helpful. Of course, much of the stress was put upon the National amendment. I think, perhaps, it was the most largely attended of any of the conventions and all the women there seemed to come with one purpose and that was, if possible, to influence their respective congressmen to vote for the federal amendment. They must be happy there in Washington, today, since the amendment carried in the House by about 136 votes. This is the bulletin received at the Huronite office, to-day, at about 11 o'clock. Now, as to what the National Board did for us; the old proposition, presented to us at Pierre, was cleaned off the slate. We made a budget of $30,000. The National pledged $10,000 in press work, circularization and organization and will give $1,000 out-right to start our campaign; South Dakota

Mrs. Hipple-2-

to try to raise $20,000. However, their gift is not contingent upon our meeting certain demands, as before.

We must have our county organizations made, as soon as possible, as there is much that could be done from this office, through the county machine I am sending you, under separate cover, a copy of Mrs. Catt's annual address, which was very opportunely addressed to members of Congress. I am enclosing copies of the telegrams which I sent to each of our Congressmen, on Wednesday night. Also copy of a letter which I am sending to all of the editors in South Dakota, who are friendly to our cause. Please let me hear from you very soon

This letter is one which I am sending to the different members of the Board, as per our plan, the other day.

Father told me that your train went out just about 10:45, so I suppose you reached home in good season. I am very sorry that I did not have the foresight to prepare more of a lunch for you, because you must have been very hungry before you got to Pierre. When you decide to come for your Red Cross lesson, be sure to come to our house and let me know when you are coming.

You will notice that we are preparing our letters to the editors before we receive your corrected list. I hope, very much, that we will receive it to-morrow.

Sincerely,