Evening Republican, Volume 59, Number 122, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 8 June 1917 — MARQUISE DE MOUSTIER EXPLAINS HOW WOMEN CAN SERVE AMERICA [ARTICLE]

MARQUISE DE MOUSTIER EXPLAINS HOW WOMEN CAN SERVE AMERICA

Describes Plan Adopted for Enrolling French Women in Readiness for Call When Civil Mobilization is Ordered—Committees List the Applicants for the Work for Which They wiy . Prove to Be Best Fitted.

By FRED B. PITNEY.

Correspondent of the New York Tribune. Paris. —The ways In which American women may serve their country as the French women are serving France were described to me by the Marquise de Moustier, member of the Association for the Enrollment of French Women. Civil mobilization in France is not ytt un accomplished fact, although Senator- Bereuger-lttw intrwlneeda bifr to make it so. A law is not necessary, however, to Induce women to gl ye their time to tin- service of the country; -they-liave on "themselves form an organization which now counts seventeen branch recruiting offices in Paris, and the work of which is rapidly being extended throughout France. Great success has been recorded, and the movement, which was begun in a comparatively small way by a number of patriotic women anxious to do something In behalf of their country, promises still greater results. One of the secrets of this success has been the co-ordination of effort in the organization, ncrording—to—the—Marquise —deMoustier. Everything possible has been concentrated under one central body, and the association, which encountered at first confusion resulting from diverse operations, has developed into a smoothly working body. Real Service Now Rendered. Mistakes due to scattered effort and multiple bodies have been corrected and a real service to the country is now being rendered. There is no lost labor anywhere, and the day the government finally ordains civil mobilization it will find itself already possessed of a well working machine run by women which will serve as a model for the men. —The association is directed “by arcommlttee whose president is Mme. Emile ■Boutroux, wife of the Academician. Among the six vice presidents are Mme. Chenu, wife of Maitre Chenu, and the Viscountess Tie Vlelard. Besides the secretary and treasurer there are eleven committee members, including the Marquise de Moustier and some of the most prominent men of France. Although the women control their own organization, they have seen fit to seek the advice of men; therefore. Included in the association is a consulting committee of thirteen men, representing different organizations and various rellglou.s bell£Jfs. -Thls committee includes the Marquis de Vogue, vice-president of the farmers of France; M. Tessier, secretary of the Union of Commercial and Industrial Employees; Rabbi Israel Levi, Pastor Wilfred Monod, M. Reverdy, vice president of the of Workers, and M. Gervaise, secretary of the Union of Government Employees. Meetings Three Times a Week. Committee meetings are held three times a week, the committees being those of organization, propaganda add study. Once a month there is a general meeting of the regular committee and the consulting committee of men. The latter, although having a voice in the councils, have no vote, but simply interchange ideas and offer helpful suggestions and advice which the women may need. Enrollment in the association is carried out in the following manner: The prospective applicant for national service receives a bulletin bearing the heading of the association, with a blank space In which the enrollment number is indicated. The form is then filled out and filed. If the applicant fulfills all the requirements she is either immediately placed in the position she desires.t£Lfill_orJf there is no vacancy at the time, she remains at the call of the organization. The application blank reads: “I, the undersigned, of nationality, born at , living at , agree that, on the day France appeals to me, I will work hours a day, —— hours a week, in one of the fallowing categories: Manufacture for industries of war exclusively; manufacture -other than for industries of war; stockroom employee; agriculture, Including gardening; teaching; civil assistance, such as-ereches, canteens and care of Infants; military health service. Including nursing and office work; help, such as servant, seullery maid. seainstress and laundry girl In hospitals and military establishments; ste- . nography, bookkeeping, office work. I desire to work at *” - Farm Work Not Hindered. This appeal is not addressed to the farming community working at home or elsewhere, who are able to render a greater service to France in remaining at their present posts. They may enroll themselves, but only tn the. locality of—their present employment and The following are the examination questions: Had you worked before the war? In what profession? Are you working now? In what profession? Have you passed examinations? If so, which? Would you accept work other than that yoif have indicated? If •o, specify in -order or preference. Would you agree to work in a

city or district other thaq that you have indicated? Would you work Sunday? Have you children between five and fifteen living with you?—Have—you children less than five living wlth,yoji? If so, how many? If married, does your husband authorae j’ou to enroll? If minor, do year parents authorize you to enroll? - Do you agree to work in a cate gory of benevolent sendee? Are you obliged to ask pay? You are entitled to your salary; you are not to accept a salary lower than that paid ordinarily, for work you agree to do. Providing for Day of Need. This bulletin is not a request for immediate employees; it is an inscription for the day when France may have need of new forces. Such persons as have need of immediate work, however, are requested to indicate it. The committee agrees to transmit immediately their demand to the proper authorities. A similar bulletin is devoted to famring-enrotlment,-concluding as"fot=" lows: The women of the farms have -wanted to-be associated with the work of voluntary enrollment of French women in the service of the country. They will do it gladly, and, since they are adapted to agricultural life, they will work ifor the salvation of the country. In enrolling on the lists of this association they will show their desire to persevere, some In remaining where they are, others in putting themselves at the disposition of farmers at the height of the season. Those who cannot work •will organize the task of caring for infants in school during vacatlon. -Tire billboard posters which helped Britain raise an army are now being used by the association to recruit patriotic woman workers. They made tlveir appearance recently on walls in Paris and attracted considerable attention. They read: “Enroll yourself! Give the time you have, so that no effort will be lost. Enroll yourself in tire administration, military a>f healthservice, or wherever you can be useful.” The posters call attention to the need of women aiding the nation to the fullest extent. They it is believed, greatly Increase women’s mobilization, used to show what has already been accomplished toward this end. Moving picture films also have been taken by the government, and will be used to speed the work.