My dear Miss Addams.
In view of recent developments both in and out of Congress regarding the arming of merchant ships, do you not think the time has arrived for the women of America, especially the mothers to voice their disapproval of war in a way [page 2] that cannot be misunderstood? Could this not be done by calling a National Convention of Women to bring pressure against war and especially to insist that a referendum be taken of the voters before war is declared against any nation.
And is not the [psychological] time for calling such a convention immediately preceding the special session of Congress called by the President for April, 16th, 1917. [page 3]
I am so eager for America to "make good["] in citizenship welfare as she has done in many other wonderful humane things. All over America there are Better Babies Clubs -- Child Welfare leagues. We mothers are doing everything to have these slogans ring true in the America of Tomorrow, then why should we be forced to relinquish our better products simply to satisfy a National dispute? This new American should not be allowed to become "common fodder" like so many fine types of Canadians and Europeans; their heroic valor has not given to the world anything only the [appalling] realization of their vainless efforts.
Should you be interested your views would be greatly appreciated.
Sincerely yours,
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