Jane Addams' Endorsement

        Jane Addams was probably the most influential American woman who lived in early twentieth century America. Famous primarily for her pioneering work in Hull House, a Chicago settlement house, and for her founding role in the creation of the profession of social work, Addams' opinion carried a lot of weight during the Progressive Era.

        This caption identifies Addams as "the foremost woman in America" and asserts that "no single person's endorsement of the Progressive Party has had influence comparable to that of Miss Jane Addams. She is known and loved by thousands and respected by millions.  Miss Addams is the first woman to have a place on the executive board of a National Political Party."

           When seconding Roosevelt's nomination at the 1912 Progressive Party National Convention,  Addams spoke the following words: "A great party has pledged itself to the protection of children, to the care of the aged, to the relief of overworked girls, to the safeguarding of burdened men.  Committed to these humane undertakings, it is inevitable that such a party should appeal to women, should seek to draw upon the great reservoir of their moral energy, so long undesired and unutilized in practical politics--one is the corollary of the other, a programme of human welfare, the necessity for woman's participation in political life."