Page:History of Woman Suffrage Volume 6.djvu/673

 VERMONT 657 would have to be Vermont or Connecticut, whose Governor also had refused to call a special session. An ingenious demonstration was decided on, which was made possible by a contribution of $1,000 from the Leslie Suffrage Commission. An interview of Vermont women with the Gov- ernor was arranged by a good friend of suffrage, Major Harvey Goodell, secretary of Civil and Military Affairs. On April 21, a remarkable deputation of 400 women arrived in Montpelier, representing twelve of the fourteen counties, loyal, ardent soldiers, overcoming the obstacles of long distances, almost im- passable roads and poor train service, many coming from towns where there were no trains and where they must plow through deep snow and over muddy and rocky roads, one woman walking five miles. Led by Mrs. Olzendam in a cold, drenching rain they marched through the streets and up the steps of the Capitol and took their places before the Governor's chair. One by one, fourteen speakers presented the case in a few sentences. It was a notable demonstration in size, enthusiasm and determination. It had been arranged that letters and telegrams should arrive the day before, the day of and the day following the visit and his excellency received 1,600 communications in three days. Gov- ernor Clement's only response was that he did not wish to make a decision at present. In May, 1920, the State Republican convention, with the Governor seated on the platform, passed a resolution urging him to call a special session, saying: u We have full faith and confi- dence that the voters of the State, regardless of party affiliation, would cordially approve and endorse the ratification of the Fed- eral Suffrage Amendment." The State suffrage convention met in the roof garden of ilk- Tavern, St. Albans, July i, 2, in a rousing convention. Governor John H. Bartlett of New Hampshire, which had rati- fied, was the guest of honor, attending by special request of Will Hays, chairman of the National Republican Committee, lie had consulted Governor Clement about coming, who answered: "1 shall be glad to have you. Regret I shall be unable to hear you." Miss Katharine Ludin^ton, chairman of the Connertiait League of Women Voters, and Miss Julia A. Hinaman, its