The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1920-08-18

NASHVILLE Tenn, Aug. 1S--IenneS-
see today became the thirty-sixth state
to ratify the Susan B. Anthony federal
suffrage amendment.
The constitutional change thus will
become effective in time for 17,OOO,-
600 women Of the country to vote in
the presidential election in November,
unless the lower house of the Tennes-
see assembly rescinds its action of to-
day on the adoption of the resolution,
so to IS.
The Vote by Parties.
The lineup of the Democrats and
Republicans on the vote for ratifica-
tion follows: Democrats, aye, 80; no,
"a; absent, I. Republicans, aye, 15;
no. y; absent, 2.
Speaker Walker. leader of the anti
suffragists. put opponents in a posi-
ton to demand reconsideration by
and moving to reconsider. The house
adjourned until 10 o'clock tomorrow
when the speakers motion will have
the right of way.
Suffs Have Advantage.
Suffrage and anti-suffrage forces
tightened their lines this afternoon for
the final fight and both sides were
claiming the victory. Suffragists,
however. had the advantage of today's
victory and expressed confidence that
Speaker Walkers motion would be
voted down tomorrow. The next step
in ratification then would be the certi-
flying of the action of the Tennessee
assembly to the secretary of state of
the United States, who upon its re-
Ceipt would issue a proclamation de-
claring the amendment ratified.
The Tennessee senate ratified the
amendment last Friday by a vote of
% to 4. Suffrage leaders declare they
will not slacken their efforts, as they
desire to have at least one other state
ratify before the NOVem ber elections,
as they expect fight to be made
against Tennessee'S action because OF
the clause in the state constitution
which prohibits any assembly from
acting on an amendment not submit
ted before the members were elected
Both United States Solicitor General
Frierson and the attorney general OF
Tennessee have declared this clause to
be Unconstitutional in the light of the
recent decision of the supreme court
in the Ohio referendum case.
Voting Was Close.
The suffragists won the preliminary
victory in the house today when a mo-
ton to table the ratification resolution
was lost on tie vote, As to As. This
would have put over action until 1921.
Some of those keeping tally of the
votes recorded the vote on this motion
as 40 to Al in favor. and first reports
were that suffrage had lost. The Off
ciaI tally showed a tie vote however,
and to make assuranoe doubIy sure, a
second roll call was ordered. The vote
again was recorded as As to As and the
motion to table was declared lost.
Confusion reigned and the sergeant
at arms was called upon to restore or
der. \ fight was imminent between
Representative Riddick and Walker.
The speaker raped Intellectually
for order. which finally was restored.
IF you don't be quiet I'll adjourn
the house" the speaker shouted.
Then he said there will be another
roll call, which was started.
Switched to "Antis."
Represent tive Bratton announced
he intended to vote for suffrage but
had changed his mind after listening
to arguments. This was laudly
cheered.
IT favor woman suffrage" Bratton
said, but I'm unwilling to force it on
states which DO not want it."
Spectators adhering to both factions
cheered, hOoted and stamped their feet
on the slightest provocation- Pros and
ants tried to outdo each other in
starting demonstrations. Women pre-
dominated in the crowded galleries
and aisles.
Wild Scenes in Chamber.
The vote on ratification was ac-
companied by Wild scenes in the house
chamber. The galleries and aisles
were packed. The suffragists. wear
ing their yellow badges, started a
great demonstration.
A minute before the final vote was
called it looked as if il was a tie. il
would have been but Representative
Harry Burns Immediately announced
he changed his vote from no to yes.
This gave victory for the resolution OF
ratification. Burns is the youngest
representative in the house.
After the vote the house adjourned