The Meridian times. (Meridian, Idaho) 1909-1938, 1913-02-14

Militancy among suffragettes IN
London has again assumed alarming
aspect. Led TO believe that the prime
minister's cabinet would present the
suffrage amendment before parlia-
ment, militancy mas been singularly
quiet for some time past. On jam.
AIRY 27 Premier Asquith announced
that, although be desired 10 fulfill
his promise TO the women in the pre-
sentation Of this bill, the knowledge
that it would have no chance Of pas.
sage forbade such course. Mrs. En-
cline Pankhurst, leader Of tho mill
isn't faction Of the suffrage move
ment, declared at once that the with
drawal Of the bill was the result Of
conspiracy Of which Premier As
quith Mad actual and positive knowl-
edge ssThe answer to this treach-
cry, said Mrs. Pankhurst, lis milf
fancy
So, the understanding campaign
Is on again in earnest. Women and
their sympathizers throng about the
fashionable streets and pay as little
respect to the costly plato glass fronts
of high.priced iewelry stores as to the
four paned side-lights of the less pre-.
tentious. Mail-boxes have again come
into prominence as the special OBJ.
jects Of attack, the militants drop
ping acids into them with disastrous
effects upon mail matter. Street
speeches serve constantly TO stir up
the flames Of discomfort and to widen
tho breach between contending fac
tons Of the suffrage movement. For
those who favor a quiet campaign
through an awakening Of public senti-
ment give no sympathy to the mill
tants. Attempts have been made ia
forcibly enter the house Of commons
an action that called into requisition
extra guards of police and resulted in
several arrests. 1t is said that Chris,
label Pankhurst, said to be the brains
Of the movement, is in London direct.
ing the movement from some secret
place.
For decades the women Of England
have been fighting for equality OF
suffrage with the men. Their cause
has gained steadily during recent
suffrage with the men. Their cause has
gained steadily during recent years
From 1886 until 1912 every suffrage
bill presented has passed the House
of Commons until last year. In near
" every instance the majority has
been substantial. Last year the ma
jority against it though slight, re
vealed the truth about the suffrag,
movement, according to those opposed
to militancy. The militant movement
began in 1905. From that year it has
been carried on with varying degree.
of ferocity, finding climax last year
in window-smashing and mail-box
tampering campaigns that far eclipsec
all other efforts Of the kind in behalf
Of the suffrage movement. This cam
paign had its effect upon the House
members, for they refused to support
the bill they had willingly endorsed
in previous years. As result of these
violent measures a number of the
, leaders were arrested and three OF
them were sentenced to nine months
terms in prison.
In support of the militant move
ment 1t is pointed out that every
movement for rights in the past hat
been accompanied by similar tactics
The American colonists gained free
dom from taxation without represen
tation by means Of demonstration,
such as these. Universal suffrage fol
men was gained in England by the
use of the torch and the bullet. The
sutfragists who have adopted militant
tactics declare they win use rock,
only so long as they are effective in
bringing about the end they seek
this dAelarntinn hearing the amman,