ing
that the constitution should contain an article granting to the women
a continuation of the right of suffrage which they had possessed for
twenty years. This was granted and both men and women voted on the
constitution, which was adopted by a three-fourths majority of the
votes cast. The fact that there was no women's association for
suffrage or for political purposes was at times a serious handicap to
women of other States, who were not able to appeal to an organized
body for an endorsement of woman suffrage or related subjects.

In 1901 and at subsequent dates by joint resolution of both Houses of
the Legislature a strong appeal was sent to Congress to submit the
Federal Suffrage Amendment. On Feb. 14, 1919, a joint resolution was
passed and signed by Governor Robert D. Carey commemorating the
granting of woman suffrage in Wyoming, Dec. 10, 1869, by making this
date each year Wyoming Day, "to be observed by appropriate exercises
commemorative of the history of the Commonwealth and the lives and
work of its pioneers."

At a State convention in Laramie Nov. 9-11, 1919, with Mrs. Carrie
Chapman Catt, the national president, as guest of honor, a branch of
the National League of Women Voters was organized, with Mrs. Cyrus
Beard as State chairman. At Casper, Oct. 2, 1920, it was re-organized
by Mrs. James Paige, regional director, with Mrs. C. W. Crouter as
State chairman.

RATIFICATION. Governor Robert D. Carey called a special session of the
Legislature for Jan. 26, 1920, to ratify the Federal Suffrage
Amendment. The vote was unanimous in each House, and, after it was
finished and had received the Governor's signature, Mrs. Theresa
Jenkins of Cheyenne, a faithful supporter of woman suffrage in Wyoming
for fifty years, thanked the members and the Governor for their action
in behalf of the women of the State, the United States and the world.

* * * * *

The decree that laws must be omitted for lack of space bars out the
many statutes in the interests of women and children which are
Wyoming's especial pride.

The pioneer member of the Legislature was Mrs. Mary Godat Bellamy of
Laramie, elected to the Lower House in 1911. She had been a teacher in
the public schools of the city and county superintendent. She was very
active in her duties and was instrumental in having a number of
excellent bills become laws. Among these were bills for an adequate
appropriation to employ a State human