received 1,600 communications in three days.
Governor Clement's only response was that he did not wish to make a
decision at present.

In May, 1920, the State Republican convention, with the Governor
seated on the platform, passed a resolution urging him to call a
special session, saying: "We have full faith and confidence that the
voters of the State, regardless of party affiliation, would cordially
approve and endorse the ratification of the Federal Suffrage
Amendment."

The State suffrage convention met in the roof garden of The Tavern,
St. Albans, July 1, 2, in a rousing convention. Governor John H.
Bartlett of New Hampshire, which had ratified, was the guest of honor,
attending by special request of Will Hays, chairman of the National
Republican Committee. He had consulted Governor Clement about coming,
who answered: "I shall be glad to have you. Regret I shall be unable
to hear you." Miss Katharine Ludington, chairman of the Connecticut
League of Women Voters, and Miss Julia A. Hinaman, its press
chairman, were among the speakers. Mayor Charles A. Buck extended the
freedom of the city and Mrs. Read, acting president, responded. On the
platform were a large number of prominent Vermont men and women. The
report of Mrs. Olzendam described the strenuous efforts of the women
of the State for an extra session, acknowledging the assistance of
Miss Ann Batchelder, Mrs. Vida M. Chase and others and thanking Mrs.
Wilson, Mrs. Raymond Brown, fourth vice-president, and Miss Shuler, of
the National Association; Mrs. Sara Algeo, president of the Woman
Suffrage Party of Rhode Island, and Miss Winifred Brown of Utah for
their help. The delegates expressed in applause and in words their
high appreciation of Mrs. Olzendam's work. A resolution was passed at
an evening mass meeting calling upon Governor Clement to summon a
special session in order that Vermont might have the honor of being
the 36th State to ratify.

Just before the convention the Governor went to Washington and the
press dispatches of July 1 told of a long talk he had that day with
President-elect Harding. Both men admitted in interviews that the
calling of a special session in Vermont had been discussed. Senator
Harding said he told the Governor he would be very glad to see this
done but made plain his desire not to interfere with the Governor's
prerogatives. Governor Clement frankly admitted that he had been urged
by Senator Harding, Chairman Hays and other Re