The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1919-06-05

Washington, June with the
fight in congress won after nearly
forty years of efforts, advocates of
woman suffrage today turned their
attention to the various state legis-
latures, three-fourths Of which must
ratify the constitutional amendment
before victory can be won. Realiza-
ton of the hopes and efforts of the
leaders in the equal suffrage cam
paign came late yesterday with the
adoption by the senate of the historic
Susan B. Anthony constitutional
amendment resolution which was
adopted in the house May 81. The
vote was sc to rs. or two more in
favor than was necessary.
Fight Not Yet Ended.
Altho supporters of the measure
were jubilant at the action of con-
gress and confident of final success
there is a division of opinion among
leaders as to whether the ratifica-
ton by the states of the proposed
amendment can be secured in time for
the women all over the country to
vote in the next presidential election.
Few state legislatures now are in
session and many will net hold ses-
sions until next year.
Because of pressing reconstruction
problems, however, special legislative
sessions are expected to be called in
a number of states and the suffrage
amendment will be presented. Where
none are called for, the suffragists
will demand special sessions, it is
announced.
Chief opposition to ratification is
expected to come from the southern
states because of the entailed enfran-
easements of negro women. Senator
Gay, of Louisiana, in opposing the
resolution yesterday predicted that
thirteen states would refuse to ratify
the amendment thus causing in its
defeat.
"Tc1l Vote in 1920"
THE women of this country will
vote in the 1920 elections" Miss Alice
Paul, chairman of the National Wo--
mans party, telegraphed here last
night. similar sentiment was voiced
by scores of other suffrage leaders.
Senator Wadsworth, New York, an
anti, conceded that ratification of the
suffrage amendment which passed the
senate late yesterday after a 41-year
battle before congress, probably would
be adopted by a sufficient number of
states to make it law within a short
time.
Pressure brought to bear on the
state legislatures will not be with
Stood" Wadsworth said. Other IAN
it's" however, were hopeful that
alignment between southern and New
England states might delay the
amendments ratification.
Congress Signs Relief.
1t was with something of a sigh of
relief that congressional leaders today
| saw the suffrage fight pass to the
forty years suffrage has precipitated
many battle royal in the two houses
of congress and the vote yesterday
was the fifth taken in the upper
branch. The house has voted even
more often on the proposal
During the last four years the suf-
frage question has been almost con-
stantly before the senate, while mill
tants" made life miserable for "antis'
and used every means possible to urge
on the pros
President Wilson has several times
recommended passage of the amend
ment in messages to congress, making
a strong special effort before the SEN
ate in the last session without avail.
send Out Call to States.
Suffrage leaders today sent word to
their state workers and special repre-
sentatives in many states the words
! get busy"
Legislatures are in session in Penn
! sylvania, Illinois, Massa chusetts and
! Wisconsin. The Ohio legislature meets
June 10 and will ratify the amendment
before adJourning, Representative
! DeelHdIl, d MEMBER VINO was in
Washington when the vote was cast.
predicted today.
| In states where regular sessions will
| not be held within short time, eff
| forts will be made to have special ses-
sions called for the specific purpose of
| ratifying suffrage. workers said. Spe-
| cial sessions already are in prospect
| they announced, in Michigan, Texas
| Georgia and Alabama.
! Loud applause, unchecked by the
presiding officer. swept the senate
chamber when the final vote was an
nounced following two days debate
any many jubilation meetings were in
progress at headquarters of various
women's organizations which have
been active in support Of the measure.
Speaker Gillett Signs 1t.
| Immediately after the senate action,
| the resolution was taken to Speaker
Gillett's office and signed. It was
! rushed back to the senate for its pre-
siding officers signature. but arrived
after the senate had adjourned and
will be approved today. President
Wilson's signature, it was stated. is
I not necessary, altho the resolution will
be sent to the White House as usual
and may be signed by the executive
1t will be certified to the states by the
state department.
How They Voted.
The roll call follows:
For adoption:
Republicans-Capper, Cummins, Curtis,
! EolI