resolution which will secure the final
adoption of the 19th Amendment." Speaker Seth M. Walker then moved to
adjourn to gain time, which was carried by 52 ayes, 44 noes. He had
given the suffragists his word that he would not only vote for
ratification but would lead the fight for it in the House. On the
contrary he suddenly underwent a radical change and fought it bitterly
through the entire session.

On August 18 occurred the most exciting and dramatic session ever held
in the House. Speaker Walker moved to table the resolution in an
effort to kill it. R. L. Dowlen, who had undergone a serious
operation, was brought from his bed to the Capitol to vote for it. T.
A. Dodson received a message that his baby was dying and after he had
taken the train it was found that his vote would be needed to carry
it. A member reached the train as it was pulling out, found him and
they leaped off. He cast his vote for the resolution and a man who was
able to do so sent him home on a special train. The Speaker lobbied
openly after clearing the House of suffrage lobbyists. Sitting with
his arm around the shoulder of Banks S. Turner he stopped his voting
when his name was called, but Turner won the honor of all present
when, at the end of the roll call, he threw off Speaker Walker's arm,
stood up and cast his vote for ratification. Harry T. Burn, aged 24,
had been voting with the opposition but had given the suffragists his
word that, as he had voted for the Presidential suffrage bill in 1919
and as his mother wanted him to vote for ratification, he would do so
if his vote should be needed but otherwise he would vote against it,
as his constituency was opposed. When the vote was a tie--48 to 48--he
instantly realized that the resolution would be lost unless he should
vote for it. This he did and the vote stood 49 ayes, 47 noes. Speaker
Walker then changed his vote from no to aye, making the vote 50 ayes,
46 noes, and moved to reconsider.[176]

By the rules of the House Speaker Walker had for three days the
exclusive right in which to call up the motion to reconsider, after
which others could do so. During this time the opponents worked madly
to get one of the loyal 49 to change his vote without avail. They
attempted every unscrupulous scheme known to control legislation. All
failing, as a last desperate move, 36 in the early morning hours made
a hegira to Decatur, Ala., where they remained for about ten days.

On August 23 the seats