January 21, 1908

On This Date in TWISTED-HISTORY.com! in 1908 – the “Sullivan Ordinance” was passed in New York City making smoking by women illegal. The measure was vetoed by Mayor George B. McClellan Jr., and women suffrages celebrated his fair-mindedness of the sexes. When Mayor McClellan was later asked by his friend, Henry Killeen, why he vetoed the ordinance, George responded and said, “I’ve found that a woman who smokes in public, is more agreeable to dalliances in private.” When Henry, who wasn’t quick on the uptake looked at him and said, “huh?!” George shook his head and said, “If she’s a smoking and a drinking, she’s gonna have sex. It let’s me pick out the ones who want to have sex, quicker.” This conversation was not relayed to the women suffrages of the time.

About Joel Byers

Born in North Georgia and educated at some very fine public institutions. Real education started after graduating from college and then getting married and raising two boys. Has the ability to see the funny and absurd in most things and will always remark on it, even if it means getting the stink-eye from his victims.
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