Jasper County Democrat, Volume 20, Number 49, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 19 September 1917 — SUFFRAGE LAW HELD NOT VALID [ARTICLE]

SUFFRAGE LAW HELD NOT VALID

Women, However, Rot Barred From Registering. APPEAL TO SUPREME COURT Judge Rochford Say> Legislature Has No Power .to Give Franchise to the Women. Indianapolis. September 17.—• Judge John J -Koch -ford of tim Mar» ion superior court, room 5. today declared unconstitutional and void the act of the last legislature granting partial suffrage to women. The legislature, the judge held, in effect, has no authority under the constitution to grant suffrage to women. Although holding that the plaintiff William W. Knight, was entitled to a temporary restraining order enjoining women from registering for the coming city election, Judge Rochford suggested in his opinion that such an order would work an "irreparable hardship” on the women who wish to register and vote, in view of the fact that the Indiana supreme cosirt will pass on the act before the fall elections. He therefore suggested that attorneys agree on a plan whereby the court would be enabled to enter an order which would not affect the registration statUß of wolmen.

Following the decision, attorneys for the women announced that an appeal to the supreme court would 1 be taken at once. The court, however, does not convene until October 1. It will be asked to advance consideration of the suffrage suit and to pass on it as quickly as possible, because of the nearness of the df.te for fall municipal elections." A decision by the supreme court will be had before the middle ? - of Qgtober, three weeks before the fall election, it was believed today. Judge Rochford did not read his long opinion, copies for the attorneys and for publication having been prepared. He made a short statement, in which he announced the gist of the opinion, and submitted copies to the attorneys. "I feel, gentlemen." Judge Roch-, ford said, “that there should be some sort of an agreement between you as to the registration of women voters. While I hold that the plaintiff is entitled to a temporary order restraining women from registering, it is my opinion that such action would work a hardship on the women, who wish to register and vote in case the supreme court reversed this decision. I want to be fair and I believe you gentlemen can reach some sort of agreement whereby this object may be obtained."