Jasper County Democrat, Volume 22, Number 95, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 25 February 1920 — GENERAL AND STATE NEWS [ARTICLE]

GENERAL AND STATE NEWS

Telegraphic Reports From Many Parts of the Country. SHORT BITS OF THE UNUSUAL Happenings in the Nearby Cities and Towns—Matters of Minor Mention From Many Ix>calitiesWOMEN'S VOTE IN 1020 RACE Now Up to Connecticut, Vermont an<] Washington to Decide. Chicago, Feb. 22. —The chancu that women of the United States are to vote in the 19 20 'presidential election now hangs upon the action of threb Republican states —Connecticut, Vermont and Washington. Thirty-two states have ratified. Oklahoma undoubtedly will ratify tomorrow, and West Virginia is scheduled to become the thirtyfourth state at a special session at Charleston Friday. Chicago suffrage headquarters yesterday received the news that Gov. Holcomb of Connecticut is on the point of calling an extra session. It is largely up to Senator Brandegee, it is reported, thp senator being the conitrolflng force, in the last analysis—and he hasn’t been for suffrage. Majorities ot the legislature and of the Republican state committee have asked Gov. Holcomb to issue the call, but he has taken no action. Vermont awaits some word from Gov. Clement. He is pronouncedly against ratification, but his legislature is understood to be ready to ratify as soon as It can get together. Washington's in the hands of an acting governdr, who refuses to call an extra session because of Republican factional disturbances. Hte wishes the assurance that the special session will ratify and adjourn Immediately. Nothing Is hoped for by the women from the Democratic states of North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Louisiana and Tennessee H 1920. Florida and Tennessee are precluded by their constitutions from acting on the federal amendment until new legislatures are elected.

The suffragists really desire 37 ratifications, to be on sure ground, due to the Ohio situation, where a state law recently 'passed may require the action of the legislature in ratifying to be enbmltted to popular vote in November. The “antis” expect to make an issue of the. Ohio matter. They have several cards up their sleeves should the 36 states be obtained for ratification. Including a plan to invalidate the presidential election if the suffrage amendment is declared in effect, giving the women full participation next November.