Great Falls daily tribune. [volume] (Great Falls, Mont.) 1895-1921, 1919-05-22
EQUAL SUFFRAGE
ENACTED IN TWO
WEEKS IS HOPE.
Former Speaker Clark
Urges Amendment In
Name of Wilson.
TWO CHANCES OEFEATEO;~
FINAL VOTE 304 TO SO

Washington, May 2I-The wo-
man suffrage constitutional amend "
ment resolution was passed, today,
by the house after less than three
hours debate.
The vote was 304 to 80, or AZ
more than the necessary two-ttirds
majority. The resolution now goes
to the senate, where supporters
plan to urge speed action Final
two weeks was predicted by some
suffrage leaders.
Only two amendments were offer
ed in the house and each was de-
feated without roll call. Represen-
tative Clark (FIa.) proposed it be
made necessary tor state IeqsIa-
lures to complete ratification with
in seven years while Representative
Saunders, democrat, of Virginia,
proposed that ratification be by the
voters of the state instead of the
assemblies.
After passing the resolution the house
adjourned until noon tomorrow.
Action Praised by Mrs. Gait.
INN ediately after the vote was an
ncuced Mrs. Carrie Gait, president of
the American suffrage association is
sued this statement:
Never was there a more splendid re-
SPONGE to the movement for justice to
women now sweeping the world than
the quick and gallant action Of the house
of representatives. Ratification will fol-
low in the various state legislatures.
am convinced. with the same generousity
and thus release American women from
A further struggle to secure political
freedom"
Consideration of the amendment be-
gan in the house shortly after noon
with Representative Little, republican,
of Kansas. opening the debate with an
address in support of the resolution.
Clark Arouses Ovation.
Representative Focht, of Pennsyl-
vania. was the first republican to speak
against the resolution.
Former Speaker Champ Clark spoke
in favor Of the resolution. When he
arose he was accorded an ovation by
democrats and republicans alike, the
members rising in their seats and cheer
ing for several minutes. He urged pas
sage of the measure because it had been
recommended by the president.
There has been great deal of talk
he said, ..about the influence Of the
president and some people think that |
have not been up to date. But | realize
what an influence he has and / think
it should be a matter of pride for every
American citizen that Woodrow Wilson
has been proclaimed the greatest man
in the world Now, from across the
ocean. comes the voice urging that
women shall be given equal rights with
men. That voice will be listened to."N
! Representative Mann, in closing de-
bate on behalf Of supporters Of the re
solution, said he had hoped discussion
would proceed without reference to the
president S attitude on the suffrage
question. adding amid republican cheers:
lit is true the president and leaders
of the party often have talked in favor
of women suffrage, but majority Of the
democrats never voted for it,
Among those voting for the suffrage
resolution we're: Representatives Baer,
Young and Sinclair. Of North Dakota:
NIillers, HandIey, johnson, Summers and
Webster, Of Washington; Johnson and
Christopherson. Of, South Dakota; Rid
dick. of Montana. all republicans; and
Evans. Of Montana. and Candy, Of South
Dakota. both democrats.