Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1920-09-12
Special Dispatch to The star.

BALTIMORE, Mo, september IL
Indications that Maryland yet may
ratify the federal suffrage amend
ment increased this week when 1t was
reported that Gov. Richie is under
going another change Of opinion and
is veering toward approval Of such a
step at the special session of the leg
islature he has called for September
20. The governor has not yet ex-
pressed his attitude, but men reputed
to be in his confidence say that he
now is inclined to favor ratification
At the same time he, with other
Maryland democraue leaders. IS
watching for ratification by Connecti-
cut next week, which, would be
source Of relief to him., since such &C
ton would make ratification by Mary
land amount to p mere formality and
compiim emit to the women. The gov
ernor. 1t is understood; Is disinclined,
now that he has called special SEES
OF the ballot by tho women through
new registration laws. etc, to refuse
to approve granting them the ballot.
Should the governor come out openly
for ratification. and should Senator
Smith fall into line, ratification would
be assured, since the republicans al
ready have declared for ratification
as a party policy. Senator Smith,
however, may adopt hands-o1 pol
icy.
Declaration of Intention Act.
Attorney General Armstrong; opin-
ion, handed to Gov. Richie. that the
declaration of intention act of 1909
does not apply to the newly enfran-
chised women of Maryland. while a
benefit to his republican colleagues as
an aid in 'sugaring" the sunragists
is not without its drawbacks. For 1t
has knocked the props from under
their chief argument for repeal OF
the act, which long has been a thorn
in the side Of the republican party In
Maryland.
with the new voters already ex-
empt from the provisions of this act
there is less excuse for bringing up
wholly to facilitate voting by the
women. but the republicans are GER
tain to renew their attack. which has
been made at every session since IT
was put upon the books.
In an opinion on the affidavit OF re-
moval act Attorney General Arm
strong held that ANY woman coming
into the state prior to August Is.
1920 1.-THE date of the proclaiming OF
the nineteenth amendmentl. and sat
fsfying the constitutional require
ment Of one years residence therein
is entitled to be registered at TINS or
any subsequent registration without
residence, subject to the next sue
ceeding conclusion.
THAT all women OF the age OF TWEEN
ty-one years or over leaving the state
on or after August rs. 1920. and taxi
ing up a fixed abode without the
state, must make affidavit Of removal
and otherwise comply with the pro-
Il - hat nt n retain
the privilege Of voting In Maryland.
with reference to the declaration
of intention act, the attorney general
says that no woman coming into the
state after March 20. 1920. and prior
to August rs. 1929, Is REQUIRED 70
the purpose Of registration either this
year or any year hereafter, provided
her residence in the state. now estab-
lished, continues unbroken."
The effect OF the attorney generals
opinion is to assure the ballot to
thousands Of women whose exercise
Of the ballot might have been jeopar-
diced by battle over the issue In the
< measure which is certain to pre-.
proposed by the republicans to sim
pity the ballot. Republican State
Chairman Galen L TAFT. in a state
ment piror to the formal party dec
laratton FOR more simple O0llot, SAID
the law should be changed SO that
one mark would indicate . vote for
the entire ticket. The democratic. of
course. would oppose solidly any
measure to that end. They say that.
Tait's advocacy Of it is -desi gned SOLE.
iy to make 1t easy for negroes to
vote the republican ticket.
Representative Muda Attacked
A stir was created in the Maryland
al campaign this week by
inferential charges that Representa-
tive Sidney E. Mudd. candidate for
reelection in the fifth district, had
had his opponent, Capt. Thomas 8.
Klinger, who is in the coast guard,
ordered away to chase icebergs at
sea, so that he would not be home to
fight Mudd. The charges brought
prompt denials from all concerned, as
well as a statement from Mr.. Mudd
declaring he was making a special re-
quest Of Capt. Reynolds, commandant
Of the coast guard, to grant leave
to Capt, Klinger. Mr.. Mudd declared
the newspapers gave him the first
news Of Capt. Ringers situation and
asserted that he did not even enjoy
the personal acquaintance Of Capt.
Reynolds. After stating that he was
writing. to Capt Reynolds requesting
q leave for Capt. Klinger. Mr.. Mudd
said:,
At repeat that I should be better
pleased II Capt Klinger could devote