The History of Woman Suffrage, Volume VI — John Shaqi
The History of Woman Suffrage, Volume VI
History
The History of Woman Suffrage, Volume VI
Women -- Suffrage -- History; Women -- Suffrage -- United States -- History; Women's rights -- History; Women's rights -- United States -- History
In January, 1915, a resolution to submit a woman suffrage amendment
to the State constitution to the voters was for the first time
introduced in the Legislature. It was referred to the Committee on
Privileges and Elections in the House and the Legislature afterwards
adjourned until July. In the meantime the women worked to secure
pledges from the members of the committee to report the bill favorably
and 14 of the 16 gave their promise to do so. Instead of this it was
"postponed indefinitely." The women did not rest until they persuaded
the House to compel a report and then a hearing was granted to them.
Among those who worked in the Legislature were the legislative
chairman, Mrs. O. R. Hundley; Mrs. Jacobs, the State president; Mrs.
Chappel Cory, president United Daughters of the Confederacy; Miss
Mollie Dowd, representing the wage earners, and Miss Lavinia Engle of
Maryland, field organizer for the National Association. The bill came
to a vote late in the session, when Representative Joe Green, who had
asked for the privilege of introducing it, spoke and voted against it.
The vote stood 52 ayes, 43 noes, a three-fifths majority being
necessary to submit an amendment. As the Legislature meets only once
in four years this was the only action ever taken on a State
amendment.
At the State convention, held in Tuscaloosa in February of this year,
reports were made from 19 auxiliary branches and the organization of
23 non-auxiliary branches was reported. The address of Dr. Shaw, the
national president, gave a great impetus to suffrage work in the
State. Mrs. Jacobs and the other officers were re-elected, except that
Mrs. Frederick Koenig was made auditor.
On Feb. 9, 1916, the State convention was held in Gadsden and the
evidences of the growth of the suffrage movement were most heartening,
26 local associations sending reports. Mrs. Parke was chosen for
president, Mrs. Jacobs having been elected auditor of the National
Association.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account