The news scimitar. (Memphis, Tenn.) 1907-1926, 1920-08-10
RY aEoRoE NORRIS.

NASHVILLE. Tenn, Aug. lo.--Con-
fronted with the dilemma OF losing the
fight for ratification OF the suffrage
amendment TO the federal constitution
by the legislature which win enfran-
chise the women OF the nation or elimi-
mating the Objectionable factionatists
who have been posing as leaders in q
self directed spotlight, TO the detrt-
ment OF the cause they profess to be en-
gagged In promoting some OF the sen.
sible men and women of the state
20 together late Monday and went TO
work with pruning knife. When tbs
work concluded the situation rot onli
was much clarified but immeasurabis
improved. All that was left OF Mrs.
Miltons ratification committee and Mrs.
kenney's ratification committee and
Mrs. Puryear's ratification was the dust
they kicked up as they were headed
down the road. Tom Rye's men ratifi.
cation committee composed Of himself
remains with his influence unimpalred
Before the friends Of GOV. Roberts
would consent TO get In the fight th,
suffragists were told that they had 4
| get together In an organization that
was not an offshoot OF the Luke Lea.
Crabtree campaign committee, and gel
together they did with a vim.
Representatives. OF the factions met
the governor In office Monday and
agreed to line up solldiy behind Miss
| Charl Williams OF Memphis. as head
OF a steering committee, II was an-
nounced that all efforts OF the Demo-
cratic suffragists will be co-ordinated
under her direction. Miss Williams is
sued statement soon afterward In
which she announced that there are no
more factions among the Democrats
women of Tennessee. The announce
ment had q most wholesome effect.
The Shelby county delegation with the
exception of Bell, Phelan and Canale
who were absent, went into confer
ence with T. X. Riddick, floor leader
for the amendment and agreed to sign
Is as lntroducers when he presents II to
the house Tuesday.
Miss williams, win of course, be graf
flied to have the support Of such mem-
bers of the former factions as have
influence with legislators but careful
poll OF the members indicates that their
influence is entirely negative.
Miss Williams Organizes.
Among the leaders who will coop
crate with Miss Williams, and who
are already rendering splendid service
are Mrs. Isaac Reese and Mrs. Sam
Phillips. OF Memphis. Miss Sue White,
Of Washington, formerly OF Jackson.
Tenn. Miss Schuler, Of New York,
and Mrs. Warner, OF Nashville. That is
TO say Miss Williams regards these
ladies' as persons OF judgment and whose
advice she can count on and the others
can play lone hand unless they accept
her as their leader.
Gov Roberts followed the session
with the suffragists I'm which his friends
were put on guard and the others dis
persed, with "a ringing message TO the
legislature favoring ratification. He
conferred with numerous friends during
the day and to each said that he want
ed everyone TO get into the fight for
ratification and put II over. He de-
clared that II there should be any dodg-
ing an effort would be made to place
the responsibility on him.
The turn things have taken makes
the friends Of the governor the leaders.
Miss Williams was Ideally suited for
the responsibility by reason Of being
OF the national committee and because
she brought special message from Gov.
Cox to the Democratic legislature OF
Tennessee. Mr.. Riddick was In con-
ference with the governor during the
day and laid plans for leading the fight
on the floor OF thte house
Notwithstanding Mr.. Rlddlck made
his appearance Monday, as a new mem-
Der and strange figure in the house
OF representatives, he was by unanie
NOUS consent to be the leader and the
friends OF the cause are more than will
II must not be supposed that the form
er self-appointed leaders surrendered
either willingly or gladly, protesting to
be wholly absorbed with the success
Of suffrage, some Of them have turn