“Why not just put me down as short, stout, and gray?”

May 28 1919 –
“I am not ashamed to tell you that I am
63, although many take me for 20 years more than my real age,” replied
Mrs. Smith (pictured in the center) when the election commissioner asked
her age. “Why not just put me down as short, stout, and gray?”

In Nebraska, the anti-suffrage forces
gathered signatures to suspend a limited woman suffrage act signed in 1917. But the women suffragists fought back and won
their battle in court. Read this great story here.

                                                   “They will not go back”

‘May 21 1919 – The
real triumph belongs to the women.

Our
objective was the national enfranchisement of women. A tiny step, you may say.
True! But the first step in the long struggle of women for political, economic
and social emancipation.

How revolutionary will be the
changes when women get this power and responsibility no one can adequately foretell.
One thing is certain. They will not go back. They will never again be good and
willing slaves.

It has been a long, wearying
struggle. Although drudgery has persisted throughout, there have been moments
of great joy and beauty. The relief that comes after a great achievement is
sweet. There is no bitterness.

All along women have kept their
faith in women.’

May-June 1919, celebrating the passage of the 19th Amendment –  “Jailed for Freedom” by Doris Stevens,  American suffragist, woman’s legal rights advocate and author –
Photo: May 21 1919: “the real triumph belongs to women”

Note:
On May 21, 1919, the House of Representatives passed the 19th
Amendment

and 2 weeks
later, the Senate followed. The 19th amendment to the constitution guarantees
all American women the right to vote.