Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1920-03-04
REFUSES TO CALL
SPECIAL SESSION
Gov. Clement Denies Legisla-
lures Right to Pass on Suf-
frage Amendment Without
Expression by the People

Rutland, Feb. 29.--Basing his action
on the same grounds as those which
dictated his former disapproval of the
woman suffrage bill Governor Percival
w. Clement has refused to call a
special session of the Legislature for
the purpose of ratifying the suffrage
amendment.
The letter covering tho subject is ad =
dressed to Col J. Il. Paddock. chair
man, and Collins NJ. Graves. secretary
of the republican state committee.
The Governor refers briefly to the ac-
ton of the state committee as good
political propaganda" hut holds that
the constitution of the state of Vcr-
mont clearly contemplates that such
changes as the suffrage amendment
provides for should be referred to the
voters for action.
Holding that the proposed federal
amendment does in fact tend to alter
and infringe the State constitution in
respect to suffrage and constitutes a
practical amendment thereof" he
therefore declines to call the Legisla-
ture into session.
The letter to the state committed
reads as follows:
THE GOVERNORS REPLY
Feb. 81, 1920.
John f. Paddock. Chairman.
Collins NJ. Graves. Secretary
Republican State Committee.
Dear Sirs:
am In receipt of your telegram which
reads as follows:
THE republican State committee in a
meeting held at Burlington to-day passed
the following resolutions which We were
instructed to send to you:
Resolved that the Vermont state re-
publican committee are of the unanimous
opinion, in view of the declarations of
both the republican and democratic ma
tional organizations. in favor of the right
OF suffrage for women; and in view OF
the widespread recognition of the merits
of this measure of political justice, that
Governor Clement should promptly call
the Vermont Legislature In extra session
for the purpose of ratifying the proposed
amendment to the federal constitution,
providing therefor We hold that the
women of Vermont are entitled to same
recognition and rights of citizenship as
are the women of other States. partic-
ularly in view of the glorious part taken
by them in manifold war activities. and
motherhood and the womanhood of Yer
mont In connection with the World War
We are further of the opinion that the
Legislature should be requested to con-
slider no general legislation at the extra
session. beyond the ratification of the
proposed amendment
Resolved that copy Of these resolu-
tons be forwarded to Governor Clement
for his official action"
Your reasons for requesting me to
promptly call the Vermont Legislat ure
in extra session for the purpose of ratify-
Ing the proposal amendment to the federal
constitution" may be good political
propaganda: and II so, the resolution
which you have adopted will adequately
serve such purpose. Your telegram con-
templates Immediate ratification by Legis.
ature without referring it to the people
But your reasons do not seem to me to
be such as under the circumstances would
warrant the calling of the Legislature
together at this time.
While 1t is within the province of the
Legislature to pass upon proposals OF
amendments to the federal constitution
nevertheless when such proposed
amendment radically changes our State
constitution, action upon the same should
follow, so far as possible. the method
provided for amendments to the State
constitution, and such a proposed amend.
ment to the federal constitution ough,
not to be passed upon by a Legislature
until the people of the State have regis.
tered their desire respecting II.
Section 6, chapter Of the constitution
of Vermont provides in part:
They (the Legislature) may prepare
lie nd han int 1at radro roe
grievances. grant charters of incorpora-
ton. subject to the provisions of section
Is, constitute towns. boroughs. cities and
counties; and they shall have all other
powers necessary for the Legislature Of
free and sovereign State; but they
shall have no power to add to. alter
abolish, or infringe any part of this con.
stitution."
That the proposed federal amendment
does in fact tend to alter and infringe
the State constitution in respect to suf-
frage. and constitutes practica
| amendment thereof cannot be denied.
You will doubtless have in mind thai
| commission was recently appointed to
propose amendments to the Vermont
constitution, and undoubtedly some pro
posal with respect to woman suffrage
| will be presented in its report to the next
Legislature. If that Legislature sees Al
to submit an amendment to the consti
! tuition. giving suffrage to women, the
| people of the State will have an oppor'
| tunity to express their desire upon sucl
measure. Until such time as the PEG
pie are extended that opportunity. | dc
| not consider that any action should be
taken which would radically change ont
of the fundamental provisions of oui
| existing constitution without their con
| sent.
Yours very truly,
p. w. CLEMENT,