from the organization of the alliance in berlin in 1904 catt had been the president and at no election had there been another candidate. her strong desire to relinquish the office was overruled at budapest. she went to geneva with the positive determination not to accept it again but she faced an equally determined body of delegates. not only was she supported by all from the allied countries, as they were known during the war, but she was equally acceptable to those from the central countries. she was literally compelled to retain the office.