The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-01-28
Serious Consequences May
Follow Dropping of the
Franchise Bill
1000 POLICEMEN
DISPERSE CROWDS
In Heated Meeting Suffragettes De-
nouncc Both Friends and Enemies
of the Measure-Seyeral
Women Arrested

London, January England is on the
brink of another campaign by the suffra-
gettes. in comparison with which former
outbreaks of the militant women will ap-
pear insignificant. Tonight 2oOo policemen
were engaged in dispensing huge crowds
gathered near the parliament buildings,
shopkeepers were boarding up show win
dows and excited women were making in
cendiary speeches in several halls.
The women believe the politicians have
played a carefully studied trick upon them
and the decision of the government TO
drop the franchise bill is likely to lead to
serious consequences.
In the house of commons today the
speaker, the Right Hon. James William
Lowther, in response to an inquiry by the
prime minister, announced that if any of
the amendments to the franchise bill Civ
ing women the vote should be adopted
he would be obliged to rule that they
made it substantially new bill, which
would compel its withdrawal.
Mr.. Asouith thereupon announced that
theS cabinet had decided that under such
coed. This was announced to a crowded
mouse WHICH uiSpiaye lIuft sHltitSt III
the subject than had been shown in the
last stages of the home rule nil
{. Police Have Difficulty
In the meantime police in great num-
bers, mounted and afoot. were having
difficulties outside the buildings keeping
the vast crowds in check, while reserve
forces stationed in court yards in the vi
cinity of parliament were held in readi-
ness to quell disorders of more serious
nature.
The suffragists held heated meetings to-
right Mrs. Emmelne Panlhurst and
other leaders denounced both the enemies
and the supporters of suffrage In the cab
inet for their treachery. They declared
an end of the truce which the women had
observed while awaiting parliament's &C.
tion on the bill
Deeds, not words, was the motto dis
played above tna platform where Mrs
Pankhurst spoke. She asserted that the
women would consider human life sacred.
but would do as much damage TO property
as possible.
Advocates Smashing Property
Some of her lieutenants failed to agree
with her policy Miss Annie Kenny, one
of the most prominent of the miltants,
advocated the smashing of both property
and heads. The executive committee of
the National Union of Women's Suffrase
societies adopted resolution rejecting
Mr. Asquths offer of facilities for a pri-
vate member dill next season
A number of speakers said the women
had prepared a plan of action which for
the present was secret, but which woLld
surprise the world.
Several women were arrested tonight,
some of whom declined to give their
lanes One, believed to be Miss Sylvia
Pankhurst, was captured in st stephens
hall leading to the house of commons
where she was making q determined at-
tack on large painting.
The police dispersed a crowd in Trafal-
gar square where q man and woman
were trying TO make speeches. The noted
militant, Mrs. Despard, was taken to
the police station with six others The
big crowds which poured toward West
minister this afternoon and tonight were
composed mostly of men who hoped to
see an outbreak of the militant suffra-
gettes. Policemen kept them moving and
drove them down side streets. Everybody
was good natured and there was much
singing and cheering.
Practically the whole police force will
be on duty all night. Strong guards are
stationed at all the public buildings and
q special watch is being kept on postoe
fices and letter boxes.
Mrs. Pankhursts denunciation of the
government was fiery and bitter
Farce Played Out
The farce of the reform bill is played
cut" she said Either those who
framed the bill were ignorant of parlla-
mentary procedure and they Were un-
fit to occupy positions of responsibility
or they were scoundrels of the worst sort.
1t has been a mock battle all arranged.
Mr.. Harcourt and Mr.. Lloyd-George were
seen going arm in arm into music hall
Saturday. Can you imagine them saying:
's'Well, now that we have ditched the
women, let us forget about 1t and go
and see the cinernatograph.
The women had lost their touching faith
in politicians and We're likely to lose
their faith in the average man, she con-
tinued and short of taking lives. the suf-
frag1sts were warranted in using ell the
methods employed in times of war.
I'VE are up against man-made law. We
are going to show that the law cannot
and shall not bind women, by breaking
the laws in every possible way. All who
are in the front of the movement do not