New-York tribune., 1906-05-20
WOMEN DEMAND Il VOTE.
British Premier Receives Deputa-
tiOn-Fiery Speeches Made.

London, May 19.-Escorted by forty Members
OF Parliament, nearly four hundred women suf-
fragists representing organizations from all
parts Of the country, visited the Premier, Sir
Henry Campbell -Bannerman, at the Foreign
Office to-day and presented appeals that women
be allowed to vote. Only eight members Of the
deputation were allowed to speak, and. in ac-
cordance with a previous arrangement, each
speaker was limited to five minutes.
The immediate grant Of women's rights was
the unanimous demand of the speakers. some OF
whom presented to the Premier their minimum
demands" saying that immediate legislation be-
slowing on women the right TO vote was neces-
sary, and that promise TO take the matter up
at the next session of Parliament would not sat
isfy them. One speaker said that the women
were prepared to sacrifice their lives in behalf
Of their demands
The Premier smiled upon the strangely as
sorted gathering. which included women with
titles and factory employees, and said he sym
pathized with the object of the deputation. but
asked his visitors to be patient until the govern
ment became more united in favor of the extern
sion of the franchise to The cause, he
added. had made enormous strides OF late years
Personally, he believed that women as we'll
qualified men. and. perhaps better. to
else the right to vote, and in his opinion the
deputation had made out a conclusive and ir-
REPUTABLE case
Speaking for others, however. as we'll as him
self, the Premier pointed out that it was neces-
sary to preach the virtue OF patience Only
harm would result if. because of his own sym
pathies and convictions he gave a pledge
garding the time and method of achieving the
object they had in view. No party or govern
ment entirely united or this subject He
warned the against indiscreet action.
which. he said. probably would check the flow
ing tide, and advised them to leave the matter
confidently 10 the growing strength of their
case.
The Premier closed his remarks by saying
that he believed il would not be many years
before the desired change was brought about
The reference to years with kissing
from the members of the deputation who left
the Foreign Office, evidently greatly dissatisfied.
Members of the deputation subsequently re-
ported the result of their interview with the
Premier to a great gathering on the Thames
Embankment. which loudly groaned it's dissat-
Ysfaction. Later. the women filed Exeter Hall.
and James Keir Hardie the labor leader and
Member Of Parliament, made speech in which
he advised the women, who. he said. had brought
the Liberal party to power only TO be turned
away empty handed when they besgc for con-
sideration of their claims actively to oppose all
Liberal candidates until the government con-
ceded their demands.
Lady Frances Balfour another speaker, was
cheered by her colleagues when she remarked
that Prime Ministers and piecrusts are strongly
allied
A resolution ultimately was carried thanking
Premier Campbell -Bannernan for his personal
sympathy. regretting his failure to pledge the
government to deal with the question. and urg-
ing him to grant day in the present session
to debate the subject Of womens suffrage.
A monster meeting at Trafalgar Square closed
the DAYS proceedings. Fiery speeches were
made threatening to get their rights By fight
ing, and go to prison II necessary ~1outed
woman from the base OF Nelson's column.
The demonstration ended with the adoption OF
a resolution expressing profound dissatlsfac-
ton" with the Premier's reply and the singing
Of the 'hlaFseillaise."
The arrival OF the deputatiOn az the Foreign
Office was preceded BY a street demonstration