Olzendam reports on a visit she had with friends of the Governor, stating her understanding that he does not want to call a special session for fear that legislation other than ratification would pass, and that if this obstacle could be overcome a special session would be called.
Olzendam reports on the outcomes of her and Pelley's trip to visit legislators, indicates that Senator Howland of Barre is willing to chair a committee to ask the Governor for his conditions, and that while the majority opinion is to have a special session, the main objection is the cost to the... Show moreOlzendam reports on the outcomes of her and Pelley's trip to visit legislators, indicates that Senator Howland of Barre is willing to chair a committee to ask the Governor for his conditions, and that while the majority opinion is to have a special session, the main objection is the cost to the state. Show less
Olzendam updates Washington County Senator Frank Howland about the legislative signatures she has obtained in support of a special legislative session to ratify the suffrage amendment.
Olzendam updates Washington County Senator Frank Howland about the legislative signatures she has obtained in support of a special legislative session to ratify the suffrage amendment.
Olzendam clarifies for Washington County Senator Howland the expectations of the VESA for a special session, explaining that Howland was asked to head a legislative committee to ask the Governor for his conditions for calling a special session, that Howland stated he wanted to select his own... Show moreOlzendam clarifies for Washington County Senator Howland the expectations of the VESA for a special session, explaining that Howland was asked to head a legislative committee to ask the Governor for his conditions for calling a special session, that Howland stated he wanted to select his own committee members, and that the Governor's main objection to a special session was understood to be the expense to the State. Show less
Olzendam sends Senator Howland a list of possible candidates for the committee and states that after her conversations with legislators she feels they will get the special session. Includes enclosure.
Olzendam asks Senator Varnum of Jeffersonville to sign his name to a petition of legislators supporting a special session to ratify the Federal Suffrage Amendment.
Olzendam relays Horton's idea for a "Citizenship Conference" to be held in Burlington, the "hot-bed of Antis," with men and women speakers (including Mrs. Schoonmaker of Connecticut), later to be brought to Bennington.
Olzendam updates Pelley on her plans to come to St. Johnsbury, requesting a car so she can visit legislators in outlying towns, and tells Pelley that Dr. Horton would like to discover who was the author of a recent editorial in the Burlington Free Press.
Olzendam asks Representative Dyer of Salisbury for his signature in support of ratification, tells him she believes he thinks "the Constitution of Vermont supercedes that of the United States of America," and explains the national importance of Vermont's position.
Wilkinson warns that there will be an upcoming meeting of the board and states that while she likes the idea of a suffrage conference with a national speaker, she can't commit to working on a conference due to family commitments. She discusses Greely, Hale, and Spargo as potential speakers.
Representative Calkins of Westmore responds that he is not in favor of a special session without recompence for the legislators, and feels that "when the women pay a poll tax and take the freeman oath then they should have equal rights with man." [Written on back of blank petition form sent... Show moreRepresentative Calkins of Westmore responds that he is not in favor of a special session without recompence for the legislators, and feels that "when the women pay a poll tax and take the freeman oath then they should have equal rights with man." [Written on back of blank petition form sent originally from Olzendam] Show less
Response of a legislator from Fayston, Washington County, who is not in favor of a special session as women already have the right to vote in town elections and will likely be given full suffrage at the next legislative session.
Response of a legislator for Richford, Franklin County who has already written to the Governor once and doesn't want to press the issue further. He agrees to attend the special session without expense to the State.
Bennington County Senator Root responds that he will vote for ratification if a special session is called but does not care to petition the Governor for the session. [Response is written on bottom of original request from Olzendam]
Response of a legislator from Salisbury, Addison County, who believes Vermont cannot authorize equal suffrage until after the state's Constitution has been amended and ratified, which could only happen after two more legislative sessions.
