The Birmingham age-herald., 1920-08-12
36 FOR
 TENNESSEE, WHAT
 SUFFRAG|ST HOPE
First Skirmish Results in Victory for Women; Killed Resolution That PrOvid-
 ed For POstpOnement
By Associated Press

By ASs0cated FFoss
 Nashville, Tenn, August It.
 Suffrage forces were victorious to-
 day in the first skirmish of the
 battle for ratification of the fed-
 eraf amendment by the Tennessee
 legislature.
 A joint resolution which had for it's object postponement of action until August "A in order that Tennesseeans in mass meetings throughout the state on August 20-21 might express an opin- ion for or against ratification was tabled by vote of 50 to 37 after de- bate which at times aroused the mem bers and the crowded galleries to high pitch of enthusiasm.
 Suffragists are determined that Ten nessee shall be the thirty-sixth state to ratifss making the amendment eff fective and permitting women through : out the country to vote in the general elections in November and every parlia- mentary advantage won by the suf- frage forces was greeted with ringing cheers
 PERFECT "36"
 Tennessee, a perfect thirty six" is the slogan proposed by the suffragists when the decks are finally cleared for dCtlOH diiu OcOdlc Oit tnc ICSOiutiOhS begins in senate and house.
 The joint ratification resolution in each house was referred today to the committees on constitutional conven- tions and amendments and it was an nounced that a joint hearing would be conducted tomorrow night at which probably the only limitation as to argument would be the length of time granted each speaker. Tentative ar engagements earlier in the day were for hearing tomorrow night or the con stitutionality of action by this legis- lature, and a second hearing next Tuesday night on other phases of rati- fication. It was stated tonight how ever that there was a disposition to conclude the taking of testimony at one hearing and if possible dispose of ratification by Saturday night.
 Suffragists. however. charged that it was merely a cog in the machinery of the opposition. Undaunted by it's failure. Representative Story. of White county. late today introduced a joint resolution which, if adopted, would prevent action either for CT against passage or rejec- ton.
 An effort to suspend the rules for inn mediate consideration failed and the res olution went over until tomorrow.
 The story resolution declares that since the assembly in regular session last year granted the right of presidential and municipal suffrage to the women of Tennessee, ratification of the federal amendment would give them no addi- ticnal privileges before 1921; that there was great doubt as regards legality Of action by this legislature, that the legal talent of the state was divided on the question of legality and that since rati- fication would make court action cer- tain ..people of the nation would fear conditions arising from procedure, irres- pective of party.
 HELP NOT ASKED
 Visitors from other states here in the interest of ratification or rejection of the amendment were targets of Joint resolution offered in the senate by Sen ator Mcfarland The measure would ask the lobbyists ito please go away and let us alone we would much prefer your room to your company"
 Tho men of Tennessee. noted for their integrity and chivalry are desirous Of doing in this case for their women as they always have in the past" the reso- lution said. and we feel that we arc fully capable and competent to fight our own fights without interference from any outside people whatsoever" senator Mcfarland. a democrat is listed among opponents of ratification ana there was mucn SpecuidllOH COH- corning the effect of his resolution, in asmuch as several legislators opposing the amendment are said to have taken , exception to the presence of the hundreds of workers from other parts of the coun- try feeling that the figh. in Tennessee was strictly a matter for Tennesseeans to dispose of.
 CONFIDENT
 Forces representing the National Amer ican Woman Suffrage Association were overw he elmingly confident of ratificatio but Miss Sue White, chairman of the Tennessee branch of the National womans' party. Tn statement tonight 1 declared that while the tabling today of | the resolution which would have referred action was a victory for the suffragists. 1 it was not the end of the fight and could not be so regarded. Fifty votes in the house is constitutional majority and the resolution Was tabled by vote of ! fifty to thirty-seven. Membership of ! the house is @ and the constitutional majority of fifty. not a majority of the | mem bers present at the time the vote lis taken. will be necessary for ratifica- | ton and that indications were the num- i Der already counted upon to vote fav- iorably would be increased.
 United States Senator Mckeilar. who
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