repeated importunities he
announced on December 30 that he would call the special session for
Jan. 15, 1920, if a two-thirds majority of the Legislature would agree
to consider only ratification.

Although both political parties had declared in favor of ratifying the
amendment yet the women were expected to secure these pledges and it
was no small task but it seemed to be the only way. The suffragists
looked to the Franchise League for action and it assumed the burden.
Miss Helen Benbridge, its efficient president, soon made the
politicians see the wisdom of a special session. Under her skillful
management letters from the Governor were sent immediately to all the
legislators enclosing this agreement: "I hereby pledge myself to
attend a special session of the General Assembly limited to the
ratification of the Federal Suffrage Amendment and to vote for
adjournment immediately afterwards."

The Franchise League opened headquarters in Indianapolis and every
pressure, political and other kinds, was brought to bear on the
members and answers began to come in as early as January 4. It
certainly was a surprise to the politicians when on the afternoon of
January 13 Miss Benbridge was able to take to Governor Goodrich signed
pledges from 35 Senators and 67 Representatives, a two-thirds majority
in each House. The Governor at once issued a call for a special
session on January 16, allowing two days for members to reach
Indianapolis. That so many legislators were willing to lay aside party
prejudice and meet for a non-partisan purpose speaks volumes for the
personnel of the General Assembly of 1919. Recognition is due
especially to the Democratic members, as the Republicans were obeying
the call of their chief but the Democrats, on the summons of a
Republican Governor, laid aside their convictions and acted solely in
the interest of the women of their State.

The Assembly convened at 10 a. m. on Jan. 16, 1920, and more than a
hundred suffrage workers from all parts of the State were present to
see the fruition of their hopes. Miss Benbridge, president, and Mrs.
Edwards, past president of the league, sat on the rostrum in the
Senate Chamber beside Lieutenant Governor Edgar D. Bush, and in the
House beside Speaker Jesse Eschbach, while the vote was being taken.
The Senators enjoyed what was termed "the last wail" of the three
anti-suffragists who voted no--Kline, Haggerty and Franklin McCray of
Indianapolis. Forty-three votes