Page:History of Woman Suffrage Volume 6.djvu/505

NEW YORK 489 Mrs. Frank A. Vanderlip, who was elected chairman of the State League of Women Voters, officially formed April 8, 1919., The Federal Suffrage Amendment was submitted by Congress June 4, 1919. Senator William M. Calder voted in favor, Sena- tor Wadsworth continuing his opposition to the end. Of the Representatives, 35 voted in favor ; five were absent ; three, Riordan of New York, Dunn of Rochester and Sanders of Stafford, voted no. RATIFICATION. The ratification of this amendment by the State Legislatures became the pressing question and as most o' them had adjourned for two years it would be necessary to have this done by special sessions if women were to vote in the Novem- ber election of 1920. That of New York would meet in January, 1920, so there was no need of haste, but Mrs. Catt at once took up the matter with Governor Alfred E. Smith, pointing out the excellent effect on other States if New York should have a special session for this purpose. Without hesita- tion he issued the call on June 10, with a strong appeal for ratification. The Legislature met on June 16 and immediately the Assembly ratified by unanimous vote of 137. The resolution went at once to the Senate, where Henry M. Sage made a speech against it and asked to be excused from voting. It was then passed by unanimous vote, the Legislature being in session less than a Hay. VOL. VI