192 WOMEN IN CANADA 



though, for scarcity amongst leaders, and it is 

 that such a position calls always for self-sacrifice, 

 patriotism, and absolute devotion to others. There 

 must be no pushing forward of self, all considera- 

 tion has to be reserved for developing the cleverness, 

 talent, or goodness in others. This means solitude 

 to a certain degree and, as most people prefer the 

 ease with which they can go forward with the 

 crowd, taking only a path that has been cleared for 

 them, there are not many leaders. 



When the right President has been found her 

 first consideration, after she has appointed a work- 

 ing staff, will be to give each member of it some 

 one work to direct. It is only by allowing workers 

 responsibility, subservient always to a broad degree 

 of discipline, that an interest in their special depart- 

 ments is created and maintained. In this way all 

 activity will become both pleasant and profitable, 

 as each member knows that she is answerable for 

 the success of her special undertaking, and puts the 

 whole strength of her ability into her work. 



In Canada, where social conditions are simpler 

 than with us, it has been found advisable to bear 

 in mind, in selecting office-bearers, that no one must 

 be chosen because she is Mrs. So-and-So, but solely 

 upon her own merits. It is only because she is 

 clever or possesses energy or qualities of tactfulness 

 that she is asked to help officially. In this way no 

 distinction of class or creed is permitted and con- 

 sequently all friction or trivial discussion is un- 

 heard of. 



When women's meetings are first introduced into 

 a village or small community it is difficult some- 



