Suffragists Meet with Sulzer

A hundred years ago today, on December 31, 1912, Governor-elect William Sulzer arrived in Albany for his inauguration. Soon after his arrival, he met with the suffragist pilgrims. The New York Sun reported on that meeting.

Governor and Mrs. William Sulzer arriving in Albany

SULZER TO AID SUFFRAGISTS

Promises Local Support and Favors Cause in Message.

ALBANY, Dec. 31--Gov. Sulzer cordially received the suffragette pilgrims at the Executive Mansion this afternoon, and after accepting their message told them that he would give his support to their cause.

"I welcomed them with open arms," said Gov. Sulzer after the reception, "and promised them my support and loyalty. I have recommended in my message legislation in favor of the suffrage amendment. Some twenty or more years ago I introduced a bill in the Legislature granting suffrage to women and it went through both houses. It was, however, vetoed by the Governor."

Gen. Rosalie Jones and Major Ida Craft were at the Executive Mansion shortly after the Governor arrived. They lost no time in tendering him the parchment which bore the following message:

"Suffrage hosts of the Empire State send greetings and renewed congratulations to William Sulzer and express the earnest hope that his administration may be distinguished by the speedy passage of the woman's suffrage amendment."

On back of the parchment, which had been set in a mission wood frame was inscribed this explanation.

"Votes for women pilgrims carried this message on foot from New York to Albany, having left Monday, December 16, in order to greet the Governor-elect upon his arrival at the Capitol."

The message is signed by Harriett May Mills, Katherine Ely Tiffany, Nora Blatch De Forrest, Mary Garrett Hay, Helen Mansfield and James Lees Laidlaw.

The Governor and the suffragettes posed in front of the mansion for their photographs after the interchange of greetings, the governor holding the framed message in front of him when the picture was taken.