Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1920-08-29
Special Dispatch to The Star.

cpccldl plSpdtcn 10 L he star.
BALTIMORE, Md. August 2S.-Rat-
ification of the federal woman suf
frage amendment has thrown confu
sion into the ranks of Maryland poll
ticians, especially the democrats. Aft
err the first grand scramble to court
of the newly enfranchised women
the democratic leaders have paused
for contemplation, and. having hesi-
tated, seem lost in a sea of doubt.
Talk by the democrats of an extra
session of the Maryland legislature,
to clear away all obstacles to the ex-
ercise of the ballot by the women
which was heard on all sides early in
the week, has simmered down to a
point where it is hardly audible.
The democratic leaders now in
control of the state machinery are
various arguments against
the necessity of a special session.
but their real objection is born OF a
to repeal the declaration of intention
act of 1902, amend the law to increase
the number of registration days. etc,
the legislature also would be asked TO
vote again upon ratlhcation OF the
suffrage amendment. The opponents
of woman suffrage are strong in
Maryland, and they are opposed to
ratification by the Maryland legisla-
ture, even though the amendment
aieed' number an ers Of States States. " ''
The attitude of democratic officials
is said to be that while they well
come women into political life and
will make every effort to smooth out
of an official reversal now of the pre-
vious action against ratification.
We're this snag out of the way it is
believed the democratic attitude
would be much more favorable to
Although Gov. Ritchie showed an
inclination this week to avoid an ex-
ira session. the indications are that
pressure from the rural districts may
change his mind. No announcement
as to his decision is likely before
Tuesday, when there is to be meet
ing of the democratic state central
committee.
There is no doubt that the ratifica-
ton of the suffrage amendment has
thrown confusion into the ranks of
the democrats. who, after the first
wild rush to court the Suffragists, and
talk of a special session of the leg
islature. have paused to contemplate
it's affect upon Maryland politics. And
this reflection apparently has not
been conducive to their peace of mind.
Republicans Want Extra Session.
With the democrats soft pedaling
on the extra session talk, Republican
State Chairman Galen l.. TAFT came
out with repeated demands for the
converting of the legislature. He is
sued a statement calling upon the
women to demand special session
and pledged republican support for
such move. Also Mr.. TAFT is urging
that legislation be adopted to simplify
the ballot.
Both Mr.. TAFT and State Republican
Chief o. E. Weller issued statements
declaring the democratic party in
Maryland had been hostile to the suf-
frage movement, while the republic
cans had favored it. They also de-
clared democratic legislation in that
state for the past twenty. years has
shown a policy toward restriction of
the ballot.
The suffragists have been on the
trail Of Attorney General Armstrong
since he gave an informal opinion
that the declaration of intention act
of 1902 requires women coming from
outside the state to declare intention
year in advance Of the election in
which they wish to vote. In advance
of a formal opinion. which they asked
of him on the right of women to vote
without declaring their intentions I'M
der the act, the attorney general, who
a
preston that a test case upon the
question at issue probably would be
unnecessary. 1t is now believed that
the act can be interpreted as the at
torney general sees mt, and that IN
broad enough to cover any
future contingency can be given the
election supervisors.
Women and the Liquor Issue.
That the women intend to assert
at the polls upon the
liquor question was indicated when a
from the Just Government
League called upon o. E. Weller, re-
publican senatorial candidate, on
Wednesday and demanded his views
upon the Volstead act. Mr.. Weller also
of the league, but begged off.
and received assurances that the
league would be satisfied if he an
swered sort of QUESTIONABLE as to
his views upon leading questions.
Should the women take a strong stand
act an odd situation would be created
in the senatorial fight. since Weller.
friend Of woman suffrage. is damp"
while Senator John Walter Smith. a
for years, has a dry record.
While other candidates, already
committed upon the liquor question.
are worrying over the possibility of
an avalanche of women'S ballots
against wet or damp candidates, it
remained for Representative Carville
D. Benson. democratic candidate for
reelection in the Baltimore county
district, to come right out into the
open as a wet. Mr. Benson, who Great |
I'd quite a stir when he voted for the |
Volstead act, after having previously |
voted to liberalize it. came out strong
" for modification in an address be- |
fore the Liberty Defense League this |
week. Mr.. Benson defended his vote |
'or adoption of the Volstead act by |
saying that some enforcement bill |
lad to be adopted, and that he con-
;idered that the more drastic the !
Measure the sooner the reaction |
would come.
Benson's declaration this weekA is |
believed to have been at least par6y |
lue to the opposition he has felt from |
Samuel c. Appleby, whom he defeated |
n the democratic primary, but who
entered the general fight as an indie
PENDENT Appleby's fight has given
much aid and comfort to the republi-
an candidate. A. A. Blakeney, and
'1r. Benson has shown by bitter re-
marks that the Independent candidate
s causing him considerable worry.
Republicans Plans. u
State Republican Chairman Galen II
!. TAFT attended the meeting of ma i