esident of the Child
Welfare Bureau; Mrs. Anna Hawkes Putnam, State chairman of the Woman's
Division of the National Council of Defense; Mrs. M. D. Chittenden,
president of the State Y. W. C. A., and others. Mrs. Parmelee gave an
account of the work for woman suffrage in Vermont and its courageous
leaders during the past thirty-six years and the reasons why bills
were voted down in the Legislature.

RATIFICATION. On June 4, 1919, the Federal Suffrage Amendment was
submitted to the Legislatures for ratification and a survey showed
that Vermont's would probably be necessary to make the needed 36. Mrs.
Halsey Wilson returned for consultation with the State leaders and an
intensive effort was begun which continued for more than a year. Mrs.
Olzendam, chairman of ratification, not only obtained enough favorable
pledges from the members to ratify but an agreement by a majority to
pay their own expenses, and give their time for a special session. It
was soon evident, however, that Governor Percival W. Clement was
determined not to call one. Every possible influence was brought to
bear on him but he based his refusal on the ground that it would be
unconstitutional. By March, 1920, 35 States had ratified and it seemed
that the 36th would have to be Vermont or Connecticut, whose Governor
also had refused to call a special session.

An ingenious demonstration was decided on, which was made possible by
a contribution of $1,000 from the Leslie Suffrage Commission. An
interview of Vermont women with the Governor was arranged by a good
friend of suffrage, Major Harvey Goodell, secretary of Civil and
Military Affairs. On April 21, a remarkable deputation of 400 women
arrived in Montpelier, representing twelve of the fourteen counties,
loyal, ardent soldiers, overcoming the obstacles of long distances,
almost impassable roads and poor train service, many coming from towns
where there were no trains and where they must plow through deep snow
and over muddy and rocky roads, one woman walking five miles. Led by
Mrs. Olzendam in a cold, drenching rain they marched through the
streets and up the steps of the Capitol and took their places before
the Governor's chair. One by one, fourteen speakers presented the case
in a few sentences. It was a notable demonstration in size, enthusiasm
and determination. It had been arranged that letters and telegrams
should arrive the day before, the day of and the day following the
visit and his excellency