the autumn.

Headquarters were opened in Dover in January, 1920, and effort from
that time was for a special session. Resolutions endorsing
ratification were secured from State and local Granges, from the State
Federation of Women's Clubs, State Methodist convention, State
Federation of Labor, State committees of Republican and Democratic
parties, and the Wilmington City Republican Committee, the largest in
the State. No opposition was expressed by any organization. Each of
the fifty-two legislators was interviewed either by Miss Leah Burton,
Mrs. Ridgely or members of the Legislative Committee, Mrs. Harmon
Reynolds, Mrs. Cummins Speakman, Mrs. Hughes or Miss Morris, and by
Mrs. McMahon. Assurances were given by the majority in both parties
that their votes would be cast in favor of ratification. Governor
Townsend and Secretary Johnson were constantly helpful. The Republican
National Committee, through its chairman, Will Hays, and the
Congressional Committee, through its chairman, Simeon D. Fess,
rendered every possible assistance and the latter sent a
representative to work in Dover. On January 15 a delegation headed by
Mrs. George Bass, chairman of the Woman's Division of the National
Democratic Committee, appealed to this committee to take some action
toward ratification and it gave its endorsement. Mr. Isaacs, chairman
of the State Democratic Committee, asked the women to appear before it
and on January 22, after an address by Mrs. Ridgely and full
discussion, it endorsed ratification. The Republican State Committee
endorsed it after Governor Townsend had called the special session for
March 22. Only one Legislature was now needed to give the 36th and
final ratification.

All looked so favorable that the women were little prepared for the
weeks of intrigue and double dealing into which they were thrust
immediately upon the convening of the Legislature. Personal and
factional fights entered into the question, while the School Code
played a prominent part and complicated the situation. It was briefly
this. A very large sum had been offered to the State by Pierre du Pont
for the much needed extension of Delaware's public school facilities
contingent upon the raising of a like sum by the State. The gift was
accepted by the Legislature and the people must raise the State's
share of the fund. This meant taxes and taxes meant opposition. Those
who wanted the School Code repealed or modified were inclined to try
to make