The morning call., 1895-02-20
WOMAN GAINS
ANOTHER VICTORY.
FINAL PASSAGE IN THE ASSEM-
!. BLY, OF THE BILL GRANTING
SUFFRAGE.
OPPOSITION TACTICS FAIL.
HE BATTLE-GROUND WILL Now
BE TRANSFERRED TO THE
SENATE.

SACRAMENTO, Feb. 19.-It was another
encouraging victory that the women and
their friends gained to-day in the cause of
suffrage, and all predictions that the cause
Is waning in strength are shattered, for the
Assembly, after numerous efforts to pre-
vent action by the opponents of the
measure, passed Spencer's bill, this time
with the enacting clause copper riveted
granting suffrage to the women of Califor-
MIA, by vote of 46 to 80. 1t was the third
reading and final passage of the bin. The
bill Will now go to the Senate-for the
motion to reconsider, which Laugenour
will make tomorrow, is sure of failure
where the women and their friends will
make strong fight to secure its passage,
and notwithstanding previous indications
OF hostility on the part of certain members
of the upper house to the measure they
feel confident that they will win the Sen
ators to the support OF the measure.
The earlier part of the afternoon had
been expended in passing upon the Senate
bills on the special file. Spencer's bill had
been set for 2 o'clock, but the time for its
consideration had been postponed till 8 80.
AT 1928 Thomas of Nevada moved for
the second reading of bills. 1t was so evil
dent that he was moving solely to impede
the passage of the suffrage bill that half
dozen legislators were on their feet in
moment crying point of order at the
tops of their voices, while Dixon of San
francisco, who occupied the chair, ham,
mered wildly for order. AS soon as SEM
blance OF quiet was restored, the Speaker
paused In his hammering. At once As
semblymen began talking all over the hall,
each one insisting that he had the floor.
Take your seats, every one of you,"
cried Speaker pro tenn. Dixon. As they did
not obey, he hammered till they did, and
at last recognized Bledsoe of Humboldt,
who asked that certain hasty action on
Senate bill be reconsidered.
Then Bettman OF, San Francisco, who
had gone over to speak to Assemblyman
Laugenour, moved to adjourn. An indig-
nant protest went up, which was increased
by Meads of Santa Clara. The latter re-
turned to his seat to find it occupied by
Bettman, who was addressing the chair.
Point of order! point of order, Mr..
Speaker Meads fairly howled, ''Mr. Bett-
man is not in his seat"
AT once Laugenour moved to adjourn.
There were half dozen seconds which
were almost lost in the cries of "ayes and
noes"
The motion to adjourn was lost by
heavy vote.
Thomas of Nevada County demanded
recognition. 81 would like permission to
ask the gentleman from Lassen ques-
ton" he said. Al storm of protests arose.
As soon as quiet was restored Thomas said
MAY | ask the question? All 1 want to
know is whether this bill is the one the
Senate committee decided was unconsti-
tutional or not?''
He had to shout to have the last part of
his question heard.
"Take your seat ordered the chair
"Mr. Spencer has not the floor and you
have no right to ask the question"
Thomas subsidized, but he did so with
sly smile, saying, "Well, got in my ques-.
ton, anyhow"
This OF course, was all he wanted, as all
well knew that the two bills were identical.
His effort was unavailing, however. The
matter had been thoroughly canvassed in
advance.
When Spencer's name was reached in the
rollcaH, ripple of applause and a smart
clapping of hands announced that the
bill had passed. Brusie was the only one
to change from faye" to mo
Then the result was announced, and an
other wave of applause rolled over the
Assembly chamber.
There were really only forty-fiye votes,
however, for the bill, as Laugenour of Yolo
at the last moment only changed his vote
in order tn damapd n ranap darat;on 70
morrow. There can be no doubt that the
reconsideration will not be granted. 1t is
not probable that the ladies will now lose
any of the votes, while a number may be
gained
Wilkinson and Dinkelspiel, both Repub-
licans, were absent, as was O'Day of San
Francisco, who, while Democrat, is a
firm supporter of the suffrage movement.
Among those voting in the negative were
Dixon of San Francisco, Belshaw of Contra