Martinsburg W Va evening journal. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1913-1920, 1920-02-28
GOVERNOR PLACES
WOMAN'S SUFFRAGE
AS MOST IMPORTANT

Charleston, Feb. 2S.-The West
Virginia legislature. called into ex-
traordinary session by Governor
Cornwell largely for the purpose of
acting on a resolution proposing
ratification of the Susan p. Anthony
suffrage amendment 10 the federal
constitution, convened here yester-
day with prospects for a close fight
on the resolution.
Governor Cornweli placed the
woman's suffrage amendment in
the forefront of his message to the
Legislature and urged the enactment
Of avs necessary to curb the activi-
ties of profteers In the necessities
of life. The message follows:
81 have felt constrained To con
vene you in extraordinary session
to consider two or three important
matters, primarily
al deferred the call as long as
possible with the hope that the oil
and gas tax litigation might be ter
minated, in our state courts at
least, but it finally became apparent
the matters to be considered could
not longer be delayed.
Confronted as we are BY the
statute requiring the County courts
to convene the first Monday in
March to set in motion the machin-
cry for registering the voters; con
fronted with the certainty of the
Equal Suffrage Amendment to the
Fedora Constitution being ratified
before the general election, regard
less of the action or nOn-action OF
West Virginia, it was apparent that
if the male voters were registered
under our present system and there
was no registration Of the woman
voters a special session TO amend
the registration law would he in
evitable later and a second regis
tration would be necessary, causing
a great deal of extra expense and
confusion. Then, it goes without
saying, that the women should be
admitted into the primaries and al
lowed to participate in the nomina-
ton of candidates. To be given the
privilege of voting for candidates
after they are nominated but denied
the right to participate In the nomi-
nation of the candidates would be
an anomalous situation.
an addition to all this, the women
Of the state who favor the suffrage
for their sex very naturally and
very properly feel that they want
the men of West Virginia to partici-
ate in their enfrancisement, and
they would feel Inundated at the
thought Of suffrage being extended
to them by the men Of other states,
solely, without the aid or assistance
Of the men Of their own state. Both
Of the larger political parties are
committed to the suffrage amend
ment through their platform decla-
rGtiOns as well as through the ut
frances OF their national leaders,
consequently it is in no sense par
san question, but it one upon which
uembers Of both parties can unite.
The cost Of living is the one
serious question confronting the
averave citizen. Price OF all kinds
Of commodities continue very high
md it is not possible to reduce them
to prewar prices by legislation.
However, there are instances where
extortion is practiced, where unrea
sonable profits are taken by deal
ers. purchasers being unable to pro
tect themselves. Such cases have
been brought to my attention. ]
have been powerless, as have been
the local authorities, to deal with
them The federal department of
justice has been making an effort to
deal with this question and has ac-
complished something in tEat direc-
ton, numerous prosecutions having
been instituted throughout the coun-
try. However, its machinery is not
sufficient to properly and fully cope
with it. Nor should the state leave
question Of this character and
seriousness TO the fedora, govern
ment. 1t is the duty of TIL state to