ors. They were industriously assisted by Mrs. Ruffin G.
Pleasant, wife of the ex-Governor of Louisiana, and by Miss Kate M.
Gordon of that State and Miss Laura Clay of Kentucky, ardent
suffragists but opposed to the Federal Amendment. The presidents or
other officers of anti-suffrage associations in Ohio, Maryland,
Delaware, Massachusetts, Maine and other States joined with the forces
above.

The Legislature convened in extraordinary session Aug. 9, 1920, and
heard the Governor's message, which said in part: "The Legislatures of
thirty-five States have ratified the amendment, only one more being
required to make it effective as a part of the Constitution of the
United States. Its prompt ratification is urgently recommended.
Tennessee occupies a pivotal position and the eyes of all America are
upon us. Millions of women are looking to this Legislature to give
them a voice and share in shaping the destiny of the Republic." He
then quoted the platform declarations of both State and National
Democratic and Republican parties urging ratification. The next day
the Senate was called to order by President Andrew L. Todd, who
introduced the ratification resolution. It was introduced in the House
by the Shelby county delegation, all for it. Both were referred to the
Committee on Constitutional Amendments.

On the night of August 12 a joint hearing was held and able speeches
were made by Senator McKellar, Generals James A. Fowler and Charles A.
Cates, Jr., and Attorney Ed T. Seay. Anti speakers were: Congressman
Finis J. Garrett, Major E. B. Stahlman, Judges S. F. Wilson and G. N.
Tillman. Miss Charlotte Rowe, of Yonkers, N. Y., represented the
National Anti-Suffrage Association. The next day a memorial from
Maryland "antis" urging rejection was read in the Senate. Senator L.
E. Gwin presented the committee report recommending ratification,
signed by himself and Senators M. H. Copenhaver, John C. Houk, C. C.
Collins, J. W. Murray, T. L. Coleman, Douglas Wikle and E. N. Haston.
Senators W. M. Cameron and J. W. Rice presented the minority report.
After many eloquent speeches in favor and two in opposition the
Senate vote was ayes 25, noes 4, two not voting, and a motion to
reconsider was tabled.

On August 17 the House Committee reported in favor of ratification,
saying: "This is the performance of solemn platform promises and we
take great pride in the fact that to Tennessee has been accorded the
signal distinction of passing a