Cummings, chairman of the Democratic National
Committee, Secretary of the Navy Josephus Daniels, Attorney General A.
Mitchell Palmer and many other prominent Democrats. A vote was taken
as to whether these should be read to the House. Representative E. M.
Lane of Smith county, although an opponent of ratification, made an
earnest appeal that the courtesy of a hearing should be accorded these
national party leaders. A vote of 65 to 32 decided that the telegrams
should not be read. Governor Russell had stated that he desired the
privilege of the floor to make an appeal in behalf of ratification but
this courtesy was denied him. Representatives T. D. Rees of Prentiss
county and Walter Sillers of Bolivar spoke in favor of ratification
but were poorly heard so great was the confusion and so loud and
insistent the calls for the vote. Representative Mitchell was absent.
Dr. Whitworth (author of three suffrage bills at this session) spoke
against ratification and while he was speaking Representative R. H.
Watts of Rankin county interpolated, "I would die and go to hell
before I would vote for it." The substitute was defeated by 94 noes,
23 ayes.

Thus was banished forever the dream of Mississippi suffragists that
the women would receive the ballot from the men of this great State.
Speaker Sennett Conner was responsible above every one else for the
defeat of ratification. Its chance was weakened by the fact that
Mississippi's entire delegation in Congress, including Senators John
Sharp Williams and "Pat" Harrison had voted against submitting the
Federal Amendment.

Did space permit there would be added to the names mentioned in this
chapter many others who gave "aid and comfort" to the cause. Among
those who never failed when asked to help with financial burdens was
the late Major R. W. Millsaps, founder of Millsaps College for men and
women. The army of active suffragists was never large. Many women
wanted the ballot but comparatively few were under conviction to work
for it. To those who did, especially in early, trying days, belongs
that indescribable exultation which is the portion of those who help
onward a great revolutionary movement for the uplift of the race.

The amendment to the State constitution was voted on at the general
election in November, 1920, and received 39,186 ayes, 24,296 noes but
it was not carried, as the law requires a majority of all the votes
cast at the election. As the women were already enfranc