Fort Mill times. [volume] (Fort Mill, S.C.) 1892-current, 1920-07-15
SESSION OF LEGISLATURE
MAY BECOME NECESSARY


conflict with the constitution Of the
United States is touched upon 1t a
letter Governor Cooper has received
from T. p. Cothran, State chairman
of the Democratic executive commit
tee during the course of which Mr..
Cothran comments upon the political
situation which would arise upon the
ratification of the 18Th amendment to
the constitution of the United States.
which amendment has to do with
woman suffrage.
Mr.. Cothran suggests that his let
ter be given to the press so that the
people OF the State may consider the
matter and so that I'VE may have
the benefit of opinions OF best in
formed men,"
The letter to Governor Cooper fol-
lows:
Dear Governor:
Permit me to suggest for your
consideration the political situation
which would arise upon the ratifica-
ton OF the 18th amendment of the
constitution of the United States re-
lating to woman suffrage. in order
that you may he prepared to act
should II arise.
1T seems highly probable that Yer
mont. North Carolina or Tennessee
may ratify the amendment before the
general election in November Is held
IL this should occur. the proclama
ton OF its ratification will be imme-
diately made and the amendment will
take effect. We will then have a sys-
tom of election laws in conflict with
the constitution OF the United States
ana neither
statute can stand in such conflict
The proposed amendment reads
thus:
The right OF citizens OF the
United States to vote shall not be
denied or abridged by the United
States or by any state on account of
sex
The conflict between our laws and
the federal constitution. OF course.
may exist as readily where our laws
are passed in conflict with existing
provisions of the federal constitution
rs where our laws are valid when en-
nCted but become in conflict with a
federal amendment subsequently, rati-
fed
The question arose in nv mind
whether or not. under these circum-
w 'puii lolu a Null0 elec-
Ton under laws in conflict with the
FEDERAL amendment. II this could not
he done the political consequences. as
you readily perceive. would be dis
astrous. The election for United
states senator. for congressman and
Tor presidential electors would he
ahhnlled and it is possible that we
would have Republican president.
d.. 1.
the calling of an extra session OF the
General Assembly to conform our
election laws to the new order of
things.
'My fears have been very much
composed by the case OF Nean VS.
Delaware 103 u. s., $40. where II is
held that the adoption or the 18th
amendment (Which is In the exact
Eerhiage or the proposed l9thD rem
u'reo imperative the proposition in
the then existing constitution of Del
aware "hich limited the right of suf-
iiase TO white men. Following this
prihclple. everything in our constitu-
Iioh ana registry and election laws
limiting the right of suffrage to
males. would instantly become inop.
erative. But under our laws no one
can vote without registration. This
Will apply to women. under the new
order OF things. as well as to men
The time for registration is limited:
the first Is days in August and tho
9Th. eth and Sth days of September.
Instructions to the supervisors OF reg
istration should he issued directing
them to permit women to register
during those periods. emitting them
TO vote In the general election in No
vcmber. ii is my opinion that we will
have done all that was possible and
that the election would be valid.
II suggest that you give this let
ter to the press. that the matter
may receive full consideration and
that we all may have the benefit or
opinions OF best informed men,"