Jasper County Democrat, Volume 20, Number 82, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 12 January 1918 — SUFFRAGE BILL WINS IN HOUSE [ARTICLE]

SUFFRAGE BILL WINS IN HOUSE

Wbman Suffrage Constitutional Amendment Measure Passed by Vote of 274 to 136. SOUTH ALMOST DEFEATS BILL Unexpected Opposition to Amendment Develops—Rep. Mann Leaves Baltimore Hospital and Is Cheered When He Casts Ballot. Washington, Jan. 11. —The woman suffrage constitutional amendment bill passed the house last night, 274 to 136. The victors had not a single vote to spare. Two-thirds of 410 votes (the total of 274 ayes and 136 nays) makes 2731-3. But the house parliamentarian ruled that the tally clerks could “not split a man” into a third or any fraction. Early passage by the senate is predicted. South Nearly Defeats Bill. Some southern Democrats voiced bitter opposition to tlie president's action. During the day this antagonism steadily Increased until it seemed for a time in the first roll call that the amendment had been defeated. Galleries crowded with women burst into a salvo of applause such as the chamber has not heard in years. Speaker Clark made no effort to restrain it. The loudest applause in the daylong debate was given Representative Decker of Missouri. After citing women’s work and sacrifice in the war, he shouted: “I’ll tell you why women should be given a hand now —because they have more courage, more grit, more sheer, determined bravery than men. The world knows It.” Mann Leaves Hospital to Vote. James R. Mann of Chicago, Republican leader, and Thetus W. Sims, chairman of the interstate commerce committee, were cheered as they cast the deciding votes. Mr. Mann had been ill in a hospital in Baltimore and Mr. Sims, a Democrat, fell on the ice two days ago and injured himself. Both left their beds to vote. Without them suffrage would have been lost. Sim’s daughter, Mrs. Louise Brownlow, is president of the local suffrage organization.

Triumph for Miss Rankin. It was a day of triumph for Miss Jeanette Rankin of Montana. She was acting floor leader for the Republicans favoring the amendment, and as such decided debate and assigned the time to be allowed to each speaker. On her desk was a bank of flowers. When she voted aye galleries and floor rang with applause. Debate Spectacular Scene. The debate furnished a spectacular scene. The house was in a happy mood and heard the arguments with applause and laughter. It was a field day for the suffragists, and buoyant with the expectation of victory, they made the most of the occasion. Speaker Clark announced he would not vote from the chair unless there was a tie, in which case he would vote for the amendment. The speaker reserved his bench in the gallery for officers of the National American Woman Suffrage association. These guests included Dr. Anna Howard Shaw, Mrs. Carrie Chapman Catt, Mrs. Helen H. Gardiner, Mrs. Maud Woodpark and Miss Rose Young. Scattered through the crowded galleries were suffragists of both factions from all parts of the country and many members of the anti-suf-frage ranks. Leaders of the woman’s party were there in force. Sunday Opens Session. The session was opened with prayer by Billy Sunday, who invoked Divine mercy -on the president, the cabinet, the allies and American soldiers. He referred to the world as “sin-cursed,” denounced the Germans as a “wolfish pack of Huns” and prayed for peace. Representative Foster of Illinois opened the tight by offering the special rule which fixed four hours for general debate. “Woman suffrage is here, and here to stay,” declared Representative Gallagher of Illinois, “and the only Question we need concern ourselves with is what we are going to do about it.” Representative Treadway of Massachusetts and Powers of Kentucky also favored the amendment. Miss Rankin Speaks. Miss Rankin said: “We are facing a question of political solution, a question forced to an issue now by international circumstances. “Every great woman who Stands out in history has asked the government to permit women to serve more effectively the national welfare. Today as never before the nation needs its women.” Representative Raker, in charge of the resolution, declared the amendment “ranks in importance with the Declaration of Independence.” Representative Gordon of Ohio denounced it as'“an impudent” repudiation of the platforms of both the leading parties. , T? ppresentative Meeker f Missouri, who led the anti-suffragists, asked to predict the outcome, said: “What can you expect when congress is run by the preachers and the women?”