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