Courtesy of University of Iowa Libraries and Archives, Allen, W.S., "Speeches and letters by Anna Lawther, 1910s," 9 December 1918
Description
Iowa Secretary of State W. S. Allen wrote this response letter to Anna Lawther and Carrie Chapman Catt to apologize for not publishing the proposed suffrage amendment in local newspapers ahead of the June 5, 1916, vote. He insisted that it was an unfortunate mistake and not an intentional act, going on to say that he supported women having the right to vote. He said he felt assured that the legislature would put a vote before the people again soon and that it would be successful.
Transcript of Response Letter from W.S. Allen to Anna Lawther
Source-Dependent Questions
- What does W.S. Allen say was the reason for the failure to publish the amendment vote in Iowa newspapers prior to the June 1916 vote? Who does he believe is at fault for that oversight?
- Before this letter was written, Iowan Carrie Chapman Catt called W.S. Allen's character into question. Why would W.S. Allen write about his support of women’s suffrage?
- Based on this letter from Allen, as well as "Letter from Anna Lawther of the Iowa Equal Suffrage Association to County Chairman," how important is publishing a proposed amendment in local newspapers ahead of the vote on them?
Citation Information
Allen, W.S., "Speeches and letters by Anna Lawther, 1910s," 9 December 1918. Courtesy of University of Iowa Libraries and Archives