December 22nd, 1919 Hon. Edward C. Smith St. Albans Vermont

Dear Sir:- 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 Governor Clement calling a special session of the legis- lature before February first, 1920.

The Committee on Ratification for the Vermont Equal Suffrage Association 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 influence 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 who besides being staunch friends of woman suffrage, we con- sider 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 petition, if necessary to send by mail, thereby avoiding confusion as to purpose and destination of petition. I am placing your name at the head of the group of Ex-Governors of our state, 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 am,

Very truly yours, Chairman of Ratification for Vermont