December 19, 1919
Hon. James Hartness
Springfield
Vermont

My dear Mr. Hartness:-
In order that full ratification of the Federal
Suffrage Amendment may take place in time for all the women of the
country to vote in Presidential Primaries it is vitally necessary for
Vermont to take its place among the 36 states.

Of course you realize that this can be accomplished but in one way—
by our Governor calling a special session of the legislature before
February first 1920.

The Committee on Ratification for the Vermont Equal Suffrage Associ-
ation is most grateful for the assistance already given by our splendid
men, but we are obliged to ask your support in one more effort to in-
fluence the Governor to call that session, by taking part in our last
whirl-wind drive to that end.

I am enclosing a petition, copies of which are going to those men
whom we consider the recognized heads of groups of our citizens in all
walks of life, asking them to sign the petition and forward same to
well-known men in their particular group or profession, they in turn
to repeat the process until the paper is filled with signatures, when
it may be returned to me at above address. For the purpose of saving
time I ask you to have this letter enclosed each time with the peti-
tion if necessary to send by mail, thereby avoiding confusion as to
destination of petition. I am placing your name at the head of the
group of Business Men, and shall greatly appreciate having the returns
sent in at the earliest possible opportunity.

Thanking you for past favors, and relying on your cooperation at
this most crucial time, I remain,

Very truly yours,
Chairman of Ratification for Vermont