Desperately Seeking Susan B.

"Hillary didn't send anything," fumes Arlys. "She wrote, 'I'm sorry, but I can't help you at this time.' Huh, she's only the first lady."

And don't even get her started on the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, who contributed one lousy buck.

"Arlys was outraged," reports her mother. So outraged that the girl fired back an angry letter. "Of all the people in the world who are now benefiting from Susan B. Anthony, it's you," wrote Arlys. "I should have gotten a dollar from each of you--if not more!"

On May 8, when the suffrage statue is scheduled to be rededicated in a ceremony at the Rotunda, Arlys Angelique Endres will finally realize the fruits of her labor.

Her mother, meanwhile, just looks forward to seeing the top of her kitchen table again.

But it probably won't stay clean for long. Arlys has just announced plans for a project that should keep her busy through junior high, at least.

"Arlys wants to go around to the different schools talking about racial discrimination and how it's not fair," reports her mom. "Whether it's going to go over or anyone will care, I don't know. I do think she'd be an inspiration to a lot of children that may have ideas in their heads but don't have an outlet or know who to talk to."

Arlys' stint in the public eye has already convinced at least one peer to hit the lecture trail. Namely, her younger brother David, who recently told a reporter he wants to give speeches about the importance of bicycle safety helmets--or slavery, he can't decide which.

At this late date, why slavery?
A stern look crosses the second-grader's face. "Because I'm still mad about it!" he booms.