THE HIDDEN HAND

New Zealand Times, Volume L, Issue 11659, 25 October 1923, Page 11

THE HIDDEN HAND

WOMEN WHO RULE SHROUDED IN MYSTERY. ONE HELPS MUSSOLINI. The right-hand man is a familiar figure in every sphere of activity in which there hie responsibilities to be shared, and at last the “right-hand” woman is coming into her own. The part she plays in the world today is too big to be grasped completely. In many instances ner power is second only to that wielded by the outstanding man whose source of inspiration she may happen to 'be. Often her identity is shrouded in mystery. Sometimes she shards in greater or lesser degree the limelight that beats albout the big man in the case.

In Italy,- for example, there is a woman, helping Mussolini—Signora Sarfatti, a brilliant publicist and leader of modern thought, says a writer in the London “Daily Express.” She is the strong woman of Italy, just as Mussolini is regarded as his country’s strong man. How great a part she is playing in reshaping Italy’s destinies will probablv never Tie known.

In Turkey, where the old order is rapidly giving place to the new, there is Halid Edilb Hanoum, who wields more influence over Mustapha Kemal and his followers than is generally realised. No Turkish woman has ever loomed so large in her country’s affaire ; none has more completely emancipated herself from the thraldrom of tradition. BEHIND THE THRONE.

In China, again, Rosomunde Sun, wife of Sun Yat Sen, is working hard for the improvement of Chinese affairs. Educated in America, Mrs Sun Yat Sen believes with all her heart in her husband’s greatness and in China’s future. Already she- has made her mark. There is a woman behind the throne of the turbulent, mountain kingdom of Afghanistan, the Amir’s mother, Saradjul Klievatin, who, indeed, is 6Sid to rule the country. Egypt, too, has her woman leader in the person of Sophia Ito men, wife of Zagnlul Pasha, who carried on the Nationalist campaign during her husband’s exile. But tho “right-hand” woman’s influence is not necessarily so great that it invariably extends to national or international affairs. The commercial magnate who, dying recently, left all he possessed to his wife, “in recognition of her unselfish help all through my business oareer,” realised her ]»- tentialities, as did also the distinguished scientist who has inscribed in his newly published book: “To my noble, heroic wife . . . this work, the fruit of her faith, hope, and love, is gratefully dedicated.” In the humblest spheres, as in the loftiest, the “right-hand” woman’s power is more potent than perhaps ever she herself realises.