Women -- Suffrage -- History; Women -- Suffrage -- United States -- History; Women's rights -- History; Women's rights -- United States -- History
Possibly there was no measure before the Legislature in which deeper
interest was manifested or which had the urge of stronger public
sentiment. Lieutenant Governor A. J. Wallace of Los Angeles was a true
friend and Senator A. E. Boynton of Marysville, president pro tem.,
had for years loyally supported it. The Los Angeles delegation with
but few exceptions were pledged in favor. Many opponents of years'
standing, feeling the pressure of popularity, were prepared to
capitulate. Senator J. B. Sanford of Ukiah, who had long been a thorn
in the flesh of the suffrage lobby, attempted to block it but was
prevented by Senator Louis Juilliard and a spirited debate was led by
Senator Lee C. Gates of Los Angeles, a leader of progressive measures.
On January 26 the amendment came up for third reading and final
passage. There was no need of further debate but each Senator seemed
desirous of paying his tribute. It received 35 ayes and the opposition
could muster only five votes. The Senate resolution was submitted in
the Assembly and voted on February 2. Gallery and lobbies were
thronged and only time limited the oratory. It received 66 ayes, 12
noes. Governor Johnson had insisted on the submission of the amendment
as a party pledge.
Pink roses were sent by the committee to Mrs. Johnson, wife of the
Governor, and violets to Mrs. Wallace for their helpful cooperation.
Cordial appreciation was expressed to the wives of Senators and
Assemblymen who did yeoman service, among them Mrs. Bell, Mrs. Gates,
Mrs. Henry Ward Beecher Brown, Mrs. Miguel Estidillo and Mrs. Cattell.
After the adjournment of the Legislature a conference was called by
the Progressive leaders to outline the plan of campaign for the many
amendments which had been submitted and it was decided _not to mention
the suffrage amendment_, as much needed contributions had been made on
this condition lest it might cause some of the others to be defeated.
There was strenuous objection to this plan by some of its friends but
the majority prevailed. Governor Johnson was present at the meeting
and carried out its program during the entire campaign, not referring
to the suffrage amendment in his speeches. It was said that he
expected it to lose and did not want to jeopardize the amendments
which would enable the voters to take the law-making power into their
own hands and secure all desired reforms. A notable exception among
the official speakers was Francis J. Heney, who never failed to
include it with the others in his appeals to the voters.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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