that of men.
Prohibition had been carried in 1916 by a majority of 68,624. At this
election in 1919, with women voting, the majority was over three times
as large--207,520--and the amendment was defeated.

The convention of the State Equal Suffrage Association met in Grand
Rapids, April 3, 4, 1919, Mrs. Farrell presiding. The name was changed
to the State League of Women Voters and Mrs. Brotherton was elected
chairman. Plans for the approaching ratification campaign were made
and she was authorized to secure chairmen for the new departments of
work. The willingness of women to accept the various chairmanships was
in marked contrast to the difficulties encountered during suffrage
campaigns.

RATIFICATION. The Federal Suffrage Amendment was submitted by Congress
June 4, 1919, and fortunately Governor Albert E. Sleeper had called a
special session of the Legislature to convene on June 3. He was at
once requested to submit the amendment for ratification and soon
announced his willingness to do so. A recess had been taken over
Sunday but each member received a letter from the League of Women
Voters asking for a favorable vote and many cordial answers were
received. The Legislature assembled at 2 o'clock on Tuesday, June 10.
The Senate and House at once voted unanimously in favor of
ratification. The same day the Wisconsin and Illinois Legislatures
also ratified. These three States were the first to take action.

LEGISLATIVE ACTION. 1903. A joint resolution to amend the State
constitution by striking out the word "male" as a qualification for
voters was introduced by Representative Nathan A. Lovell but was not
reported out of the committees.

1905. A similar resolution was introduced by Representative George E.
Dewey but failed to pass by seven votes.

1911. The same resolution received in the House 55 ayes, 44 noes,
lacking the necessary two-thirds, and failed in the Senate by two
votes.

1912. In the call for a special session Governor Osborn included the
consideration of a woman suffrage amendment. It was introduced in the
Senate by Robert Y. Ogg and in the House by Representative Charles
Flowers. The Senate opposition was led by James A. Murtha and Charles
M. Culver, while William M. Martz sought to block it in the House. The
vote in the Senate was 23 ayes, 5 noes; in the House 75 ayes, 19 noes.
It was submitted to the voters and defeated.

1913. A hearing on the amendment resolution was arranged by the State
bo