The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1912-03-06
SUFFRAGETTES TRY NEW GAME.
Smash Thousands of London Shop
Windows to Force Government
Recognition.

London, March 1.-Because the
coal miners had been able to gain
government recognition Of their
grievances by threatening the busi-
ness of the country, the suffragettes
late today also entered upon a policy
Of menace to trade. And they car
ried it out suddenly and with an
ardor that resulted in heavy financial
losses, brought CONSERVATION to mer-
chants of the most prosperous shop
ping district of the city and paralyzed
business. The police were taken
completely unawares and before they
could restrain the women, streets
were covered with shattered plate
glass.
1t was a window breaking expedi-
ton solely and a thoroughly organiz-
ed one. Hundreds of windows in
many of the most famo Is shops of
the world and in several Government
offices and clubs were wrecked by
the suffragettes. The damage will
aggregate many thousands Of pounds,
but is largely covered by insurance.
One hundred and fifty women were
taken to police stations by police or
excited and indignant merchants.
Many others. however, escaped. All
those arrested were released this
evening on bail. coupled with prom
ises to refrain from further window
wrecking.
Some shopkeepers who saw the
storm coming were able to close their
shutters and barricade their doors
The trouble centered about Trafalgar
square, ranged along the Strand east
ward and westward, and up Regent
street, Picadilly and Oxford street,
where are situated the fashionable
jewelry and dry goods houses.
Mrs. Emmeline Pankhurst, veteran
of many a suffragette battle, struck
the first blow. In an automobile, ac-
companied by Mrs. Marshall and Mrs
Tukes, she drove up to the premier's
residence, on Downing street. Three
women leaped from the machine and
drew out stones concealed in their
muffs. ...-,
Four windows crashed in before
the police, who are constantly IN
guard, could reach the women. The
trio were arrested. but while being
led to the station managed to heave
missiles through the windows Of the
Colonial office.
Pandemonium broke out in the
shopping district at the same time.
Taxicabs were the favorite vehicles Of
approach used by the suffragettes.
and many innocent looking women
were helped out Of them by porters
stationed in front of stores. There
was no hesitation on the part of the
women, who at once attacked the
show windows with bricks or ham
mers.
The police were unable to deal
with such a wholesale and widespread
outbreak and at least nine-tenths Of
the window-smaching army escaped.
The air was filled with sounds Of po-
lice whistles, yells, the slamming OF
blinds and shrieks of frightened
shoppers, punctuated now and then
with cries Of "votes for women"
Whenever a window was shattered
there the crowds surged. while the
employees Of the shop rushed to the
street to prevent the unprotected
goods from being stolen. Not even
the establishments Of undertakers
were spared.
The SuffragetteS leaders declare
that it is their purpose to continue
their campaign Of window breaking
until. like the coal miners, they force
the government to take up their
claims for suffrage to protect business
interests.
KILLING IN CLARENDON.