The Topeka state journal., 1914-01-10

HlE EMERSON / FIeIIIHI

bars have deprived the WOmenss Social
and Political union OF its ablest leaders
and the once noted for an
efficiency approaching almost to mi1i-
tary kenius. has fallen upon evil times.
The attempt to prevent the arrest Of
Mrs. Emeline Pankhurst, when she
landed at Plymouth on her return from
America. resulted in q farce which re-
acted ~ much on the police az ON the
banned militants. Tor the elaborate po-
lice precautions were made ridiculous
by the ineptitude of General Mrs.
Flora Drummond's well advertised
bodyguard. The militants declare in
explanation OF the haoco that Mrs.
Drummond ID more nr for the hos
pital than the foray, and that tho alb
sence OF Annie Kenny, her ablest lieu-
tenant, completed the disorganixation.
Whatever the cause may be, even the
friends Of the militants do not deny
that the hghting forces are sadly deple-
ted and. furthermore. while the back
ers OF the movement still continue to
pour money into the treasury, the sup
ply of recruits y becoming thinner
daily. No leaders seem to have arisen
to take the place Of those who are In
capacttated, and the full treasury will
be 30 much dross, II workers cannot
be found to spend 1t, in the peculiar
manner the militant affects. to irritate
>~e~SA@o AAASO 8AvAA18 41c1 Zig VOtSs
Miss Zelie Emerson. the American
suhragette, who has been one Of the
most active spirits in the organisation
OF the Peoples Army" in the East
END, set her followers q good example
before her arrest recently. and AZ q re-
suit of q fight which she put up, then
Inspector Potter of the Metropolitan po-
lice has been wearing two black eyes.
After the arrest of Sylvia Pankhurst,
Miss Emerson was left In supreme COM
mand OF the army and the first work
she undertook was to head a section
OF the army to visit the homes Of the
local counsellors, who had refused to
allow the East End suffragettes to use
the Bow Baths for their weekly meet
ings. In 4 narrow street before q
counsellor's home. bs-.t1e was begun
with q special squad Of police. The
East End hoodlum dearly loves a fight,
but he does not fancy facing heavy
odds and the suffragette leader soon
found herself with only q remnant Of
the old guard left about But undaunt-
ed she charged. swinging rope loaded
with lead. and to- this formidable wea-
pom. Inspector Potter. who met the full
shock OF the attack at the head Of q
picked squad Of London's best, owes his
two black eyes. Before she could do any
more damage to the representatives OF
man made law" Miss Emerson waa
gathered in by the constables, who
kept their prisoner despite the desper.
ate efforts made to effect her release
Tho Suffrage Service league has
been organized with many promfnen,
women as members. whose first aima
will be the support OF Parliamentary
candidates who are pledred to vote
for wOman's suffrage
The 80
make as their f1rst aim the support o1
parliamentary candidates who arr
pledged to vote for woman's suffrage
The next step will be to study the
civic duties. and opportunities thai
women already possess and to make
use Of them; and the third duty vii
be to perform some definite organ.
lied service for the benefit of thu
community.
While not using militant method.
the new organization win be militar,
In form. The primary unit will be :
band consisting OF eleven member.
headed by q captain. Ten bands asso.
ciated together win be placed under 8
leader. and these leaders win be ex.
OMcio members Of the xovernins
council Of the society. The captains
and their bands undertake to work
for the suffrage strenuously and alons
certain definite lines, political socia
and philanthropic.
The league is headed by Lady st
Davids and among the members o1
the committee are Lady Glare Annes.
ley. Lady Mary Plunkett. Lady Null
Mackenzie, Mrs. Ronald McNeill and
Miss Bertha Mason.