Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-06-03
MICE BROKE UP THE MEETING.
Mean Trick of the Suffragists in
London Campaign.


Special Cablegram to The Star.
LONDON, June at is interesting to
note that the anti-suffragists have found
new argument why women should not
vote and why they should not mix in mat
ters political and why they should not
mingle with the crowds. The argument,
which appears to be practical rather than
theoretical, Is apparently one Of the out
growths Of the recent Wimbledon cam
paign.
According to all accounts there crept
by some means into Worple Hall, where
Bertrand Russell, the suffragist candidate
holding his first meeting. several mice. OF
course, the suffragists are everywhere say
ing that 1T was shame" and that IL the
police authorities cannot protect under
those circumstances nothing remains of
the much-boasted freedom Of speech and
liberty Of meeting so much talked Of by
various speakers and candidates. They
also declare that If politics has been re-
duced to so low level that it Is neces-
sary to win by a foul trick, 1t is about
time for the Introduction Of the refining
influences of womenkind.
The males who are opposed to the "suf-
fragettes'' in reply declare that politics is
a practical matter, and that little things
such as the Introduction OF mice cannot be
allowed to interfere with the destinies Of
the nation. On the other hand, the women
interested in the campaign of Bertrand
Russell (suffragist) do not hesitate to In
quire what the men would have done If
some one had introduced adders and rattle
snakes into a unionist mass meeting. The
answers to all of these arguments pro and
con would appear to be that Mr.. Henry
Chaplin, the uniOnist candidate, was
elected by tremendous majority over the
Suffragist candidate.
The introduction of mice into the cam
paign and mass meeting where were
gathered hundreds of women, who COM
bine imperial politics with feminine fam
ces, however had it's humorous as well
as Its serious side. For the women pres
ent, it appeared, could face mere buster
ing, tyrannical man. They fled. however,
in undisguised terror from the equally af-
frightened rodents. When the cry Of
mice" ran through worpIe Hall there
was instantly shuttle of petticoats and
rush for the benches. Mere men roared
with delight
So the meeting was broken up amid
boisterous laughter and cheers first for
mice and men, then cheers for mice and
women. None Of the speakers could be
heard in the din. though the Interruptions
were good-natured The candidate. 'our
dear Mr. Russell" was the object of many
sallies of more or less caustic wit just
about the time of the breaking up of the
meeting. Go home and get your petit
coats on" shouted one merry-faced youth.
The woman speakers had an equally
suually time of it. AS successive speak
ers arose each was greeted with the shout:
Hello. hello. hello, a different girl again."
rs it just that woman should have
votes?" asked a sweet-faced woman in an
anxious voice.
Unwittingly she provoked storm. It
broke in cries of Yes" and MOI" The
noes have it," screamed a boyish voice,
whereat there were sundry gesticulations
on the platform.
1t was Just at this particular time that
some wicked male" let loose the mice,
and the meeting came to sudden end.