THE WOMEN'S INTERNATIONAL LEAGUE.

White Ribbon, Volume 22, Issue 259, 18 January 1917, Page 6

THE WOMEN'S INTERNATIONAL LEAGUE.

The Women’s International League,, formerly the British Section of the Women’s International Committee for Permanent Peace, was the outcome of the International Congress held at the Hague in April, igis- The general basis of the Congress was set forth as follows:—“That international disputes should be settled by pacific means,” and “That the Parliamentary Franchise should be extended to women.” This basis was retained by the Women’s International League, its declared fundamental object being “To establish the principle of right rather than might, of cooperation rather than conflict, in national and international affairs.” The means proposed for the attainment of this object are twofold—(1) “The development of the ideals underlying modern democracy in the interests of constructive peace.” These ideals are common to practically all the organisations founded during the last two and a half years, which have for their object the raising of the standard of international life. They include the education of the people in their responsibilities as regards international relationships, the education of the young in co-operative principles, the reference of international differences to arbitration or conciliation, the denial of the right of annexation by conquest, the abolition of private profits in the manufacture of armaments, and the promotion of liberty of commerce. (2) The emancipation of women and the protection of their interests. It will be seen that the object of the League is not to bring the present terrible war to immediate conclusion, but rather to instil into the minds of the people such principles as would make it impossible for such a catastrophe to recur in the future, and to work for the building up of a new national and international life, based upon principles of peace, co-operation and mutual help, in which the power of physical force shall be replaced by the influence of moral and spiritual ideals. The members feel that upon women, as non-combatants, rests the special responsibility of keeping this ideal before the public mind, the peace which they desire to see firmh established being no negative thing,

but that spirit of peace which must express itself as an active force iti the individual, social and national life, binding together the interests of all the different peoples, and bringing about an alliance which shall rest upon mutual love and helpfulness, instead of self-seeking. The W.I.L. is thus “dedicated to the task of encouraging in ourselves and others this ceaseless effort, and of helping to mould institutions in accordance with the vital policy laid down by the International Congress at the Hague.” The headquarters of the movement are at Amsterdam, the Secretary’s address being Miss Rose Manus Keigersgracht, 467, Amsterdam. Miss Jane Adda ms, U.S.A., is the International President, and the Chairman of the British Section is Mrs H. M. Swanwick, well known as a tireless worker in the cause of peace. Early in 1q 16 the W.I.L. sent out a “Call to the Women of the British Dominions Overseas,” inviting their co-operation in the furthering of their aims, and suggesting that the leaders of our various Women’s Societies should form organisations in the different colonial centres, which should carry on work along similar lines. One such branch has already been established in Auckland, having been inaugurated last March; it now numbers close on 100 members, and is active in support of all efforts which tend to promote the objects of the League, bringing what pressure they can to bear upon the Government for the initiation of needed social reforms. Similar branches have also been formed in Wellington, Christchurch, and Hamilton, and it is hoped that other centres will follow their lead, and that the movement may spread throughout the Dominion. It is of the utmost importance at the present juncture that there should be greater and more widespread interest in all public affairs amongst the women of the country, and that they should combine to work for those ideals which they feel will best further the highest good of the race. For we cannot separate our own interests from those of the whole, and it is surely fitting that in a country that was among the first to enfranchise its women, there should be found that united and earnest support of every effort put forth in the cause of righteousness and peace, which alone can ensure its success.