General programs calling for the cleaning and beautification of Beirut, the provision of the needed shelters for beggars, the inspection of the meat and vegetable markets, and the strict application of order to all citizens.

Ever since the honorable State resolved to recognize woman's right as a human being, and ever since the news of the appointment of ladies to municipal posts began making the rounds in various circles, opinions have clashed and questioned over this matter. Did the government do well in this? Is it fitting for a woman to exchange her proper place in homes and salons for a post that requires her to attend to matters so complicated that her weary nerves cannot bear them?

Come with me, all of you, and let us knock at the doors of this good nucleus that was chosen to stand side by side with man, raising her voice beside his voice, working with her heart alongside his heart, and walking with her mind to match his mind.

I made for the home of Miss Ibtihaj Kaddoura, that gracious lady who has accompanied the women's movement since its birth. I take my seat beside her, and no sooner does she learn my errand than she bursts out, saying:

- It has struck me clearly and plainly that man has come to trust woman, considering her a good citizen worthy of confidence, who takes part in the work and performs it excellently. He welcomes her wherever she is found, and this is the first sign of equality; and he is now working hard to do her justice and to grant her her full rights, educated

or illiterate, feeling that her cause has become entirely his own.

As for my program, I shall draw it up according to the pressing need and the passing circumstance that requires me to act quickly. I am new to my post, and there has not yet been time for me to acquaint myself with the facts of things, so as to put the most important before the important, lay out a program that answers the call of urgent need, and do what my love and pride in my city of Beirut impose upon me. After I have looked into all this, I shall issue a statement to the honorable citizens so that they may see the condition of their town today, and then I shall say to them: "From here we begin."

I shall work on the finance committee to see how the funds are spent and how we must guard them. I shall work on the health and social committee to contribute to the public service, to maintain the cleanliness of the city which Beirut lacks, and to strengthen public health, which fortifies the people's vigor. Then there are vagrant childhood and hands idle from work, which I shall strive to combat, standing in the face of unemployment and preserving human dignity from the humiliation of begging and loitering at doors. Yet I believe that the backing of the entire people is most necessary, and that its cooperation with us in applying order, whether in the homes, the streets, or the schools, is essential for realizing our hopes and reaching the goal to which we aspire.

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I leave Miss Ibtihaj Kaddoura to go straightaway