The Detroit times. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1903-1920, 1913-01-27
SUFFRAGISTS LOST
FIGHT IN PARLIAMENT
tContinued from page oaeJ.

fragette bill early In the next session,
which convenes In February. The
premier did not promise the support
OF the ministry for the proposed bill,
saying that the members OF the cab
met would vote, unhampered, accord
Ing to their views.
When the news spread throughout
London that the bill was Withdrawn,
thousands OF mllitants thronged the
streets, speakers began harangues,
and the police were kept busy dispers-
ing them.
The police guard about the premier
was doubled. and all cabinet members
were given all possible protection.
The officials claimed they feared real
violence at the hands of the disap-
pointed and enraged suffragettes.
A special cabinet meeting today de-
cided to withdraw the bill, and when
the house OF commons met the pro-
ceedings lasted only a few moments.
Premier Asquith asked Speaker
Lowther IL his tentative ruling an
nounced Friday, amending the fran
chise reform bill, still held. Lowther
heplied that II the measure were
amended by the commons Il would
nounced that this ruling would not
apply 10 the Grey amendment carry
ing with IL votes for women, but
would apply to all other amendments.
II was then that Asquith formally
dlthdrew the measure.
The franchise reform bill, as intro
duced, would work revolutionary
change in the British electoral system,
l... ~. I1aGi In h.
and other restrictions and also by do
ing away with what is known as
plural voting"
Under the law as It now stands, q
man has the right TO vote in as many
parliamentary constituencies as he
holds property therein. One OF Eng
lands wealthiest landlords now Is en-
titled to vote In 75 different districts
Under the new bill every man over
81, who Is OF sound mind, becomes
eligible for the ballot, but for one vote
only The only restriction Is six
months residence In the constituency
prior to election day. II he moves into
another district, he retains his right
to vote In the old during the six
months of qualification in the new.
Those who have the right OF plural
voting under the existent law must
formally disclaim the vote In those
districts where they do not intend to
exercise IL.
The penalty for plural voting Is fix
ed at a $1,000 fine, one years imprison-
ment, or both. with Acknowledgement
for period OF seven years.
Under the bill peers for the first
time would be entitled TO vote, but
Notwithstanding that privilege. IL was
certain that IL the commons passed the
bill, the lords would refuse to accept
a piece OF legislation OF such revolu-
tionary character. Ii was admitted
that, as In the case. OF the home rule
bill, three houses OF commons would
have to enact the measure before il be-
came a law under the vsto act.
Incidentally. the bill abolishes what
are known as the university constitu-
encies. thus reducing the members OF
parliament by nine.
Votes for women became the para
mount issue OF the franchise reform
bill by amendment prepared by Sir
Edward Grey, and offered by Lyttle-
ton, striking out the word male" In
the clause extending the vote to
every male person" The amendment
was offered Friday, but not voted
upon. II was scheduled for division
this afternoon.