SOUSA AND WOMEN

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2515, 17 July 1915, Page 11

SOUSA AND WOMEN

"You can appeal to women in two ways—through their sense of romance and their sense of humour." John Philip Sousa, the march Icing, liad just pulled on his white gloves and buttoned up his blue coat. The tivec-dlc-deo and tum-tum of instruments tuning up was going on all around tho little dressing-room at tho Coliseum at Des Moinos, U.S.A., recently. "Do I bolieve women have a sense of humour? Why, of course, they have," said Mr. Sousa, smoothing his slightly graying beard and beaming through bis glasses., "That is all nonsense about women not having a sense of humour. I've found them most delightful listeners, and appreciative of a good story." I suggested that Mr. Sousa had been quite a matinee idol; Ho waved the insinuation aside with a laugh. "It's a' Press agent who manufactures a matinee idol," he said. "I've never been one." Nevertheless he has given the subject of women and her rights some little consideration. "0 certainly-1 believe in suffrage for women," ho said. "As it is now women have 80 per cent, the. advantage of men and men only 20 per cent. After they get the vote it will be 50-50." The bandmaster and the interviewer both grinned. "I'll be glad when they get it, too," said Mr. Sousa, "Then I can vote as I please. Now lam more or less hampered by my wife's ideas of what I ought to vote for. Out of chivalry and because slie cannot vote herself f am swayed by her opinions. When sLe has the privilege of voting I will feel free to vote'my own way." "Women will be more practical after' they get to voting, and they will see. things from a man's standpoint rather than from a sentimental, personal one, which will be well for the world in gen-

eral," he. continued. "Of course, it won't destroy; altogether their -sense of romance and sentiment. _. That would indeed be a pity. A brainy, practical woman who still retains her sentiment and romance is the. most charming' tjpo.: But then, of course, (with a low and another twinkle in his eye), they're all charming." A "house-warming" took place at the Y.W.C.A. residence,' 115 Brougham Street, on Wednesday, when a'goodly gathering of friends spent a most enjoyable evening, and gifts of books were greatly appreciated as a nucleus of a library. The. charming home looked its best and proved that the faith of the Board of Directors had been justified, for most, of .the rooms were occupied, though there remain a few vacancies. Opportunity was afforded during the usual supper speeches, of bidding "farewell" and "Godspeed" to Dr. and Mrs. Whyte, both of whom have been invaluable friends of the association. Dr. Whyte leaves for England next week, where he is to join the ranks of those who are giving of their best .for our country. . , ' A glimpse into the kitchen or sittingroom at the Y.W.C.A. Annexe, 11 Macdonald Crescent, shows tho fascination of "batching." EveTy facility is provided for girls whose occupations furnish them with partial board, and the pleasant sit-ting-room, lockers, stoves, and other household arrangements make it possible for girls to have a real home, where" friendships may be formed and happy times enjoyed. . '