New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-03-29
Commons Votes for Fran
chise Reform Legislation
by Big Majority
Premier Praises
Work of Women
With Asquith Pleads for
Recognition of Their
Services


.s.ipg debate to-day. the House Of
Commons. by a majority OF 279, ex-
messed approval of legislation on the
lines Of the Speakers conference rec
lamentations for franchise reform,
including woman suffrage. The small
minority against such measures rep
resented not the actual opponents OF
reform, but rather members who were
desirous Of postponing legislation of
such a contentious character until af-
Er the war.
The great feature Of the debate was
the frank acceptance by eXPremier
Asouith and Andrew Bonar Law,
Chancellor Of the Exchequer. of wom-
ems right TO vote as result of their
war sacrifices and services, and
Premier Lloyd Georges whole-hearted
acceptance Of the conference recon-
mendations. except proportional repre-
sentation. The Premier was even
wiling 10 60 still further and make
Inc qualifying period three. instead of
six. months.
A small party during the course o.
m, debate expressed their continued
firm opposition 10 woman suffrage.
bat their numbers we're too small TO
CARY great weight. The Nationeists
announced that they would support
Nr Asquiih's motion to adopt the re-
form programme.
10 Delay Suffrage Legislation
As rcs-l- Of the debate. the gov
rrmcl.. ar Boaar Law announced. VIII
proceed win legislation 90 give effect
20 te. recommends ions or l. con-
f,-e.cs. -le tM vii en.3c4r ai OF
the ..tna -a.a' .Ca- cTseD proper
aeaa, .s1.c.on,a,.va aHd ',omaa sui
lnec. iA,-e wiz be omitts5. fret. be
,agse hc ccve.orlcn: is still undecided
on 'ae Question. and. second. because it
j.. held tnat Parliament must first Of
al express acceptance Of me principle
Of woman suffrage.
me present idea is to make the bill
p little contentious As possible. so the
seeond reading may be easily secured;
inen. in committee. these two excepted
questions may be raised rs amend
Meuts 10 the bill. thus giving the
House an opportunity TO record its
opinion.
Il cannot be doubted that the views
expressed to-day by Mr.. Asouith. Wal
Ter Hume Long and other prominent
former opponents of woman suffrage
Will influence many other opposing
Hembers. In any case. during the wal
this opposition has been rapidly
dwinding one. II is still possible that
me women may have TO wait until after
The war for the fullest recognitions OF
their claims. but the vote for women
IN some shape is now certain.
The new bill will not be introduced
until some time after Easter, as the
budget and other urgent business claim
priority.
Bonar Law for Equal Suffrage
Andrew Bonar Law. addre ssing him
SELF 70 the Conservative opponents oI
the recommendations Of the speaker
conference. said he had always held III,
view that the Conservative party, which
vas not national party, might as wei
70 out OF business altogether. Ther,
vas going 70 be a new world after thC
var, and IL was certain, at least, thai
no party need attempt 10 exist which
could not hope 10 have the support O.
men and the bulk Of the nation which
nsd saved the liberties Of the empire
there could then be a better under
Standing between all classes in tkc
recognition that increased production
vas for the benefit of all, the recover,
rom the devastation OF war would bG
qaick
The war, Mr.. Bonar Law declared
lad altered his view on the subject o.
woman suffrage, and he would DO hi'
sest 70 prevent any extension of t.'
rsnehlse TO men II women were lef
out
me programme presented provides
ld SIX months residence or the occu
patton Of business premises as the only
esshhcation for voting; redistributioT
Si seats; proportional representation
large urban areas, and the holding
al elections on one day.
Says Women Must Get Vote
ne Premier. paying the warmes
Sosie 70 woman's work during tn
taf' especially the devotion, cOurag'
Aa zeal Of women munition makers
sid that when after the war the ma
ton came 10 rccast the whole indus
Ni@i fabric, 70 give women no voic'
'etein would be an outrage; IL woult
inequitaDle unjust and ungrsteful
~ he believed that the country woul'
ioi sanction such injustice for no
hrnl lie agreed that it was desirable
p avoid all political controversies dur
ng the war.
The Parliament 20 be elected afte
peace was declared, said the Premier
you'd have 10 solve quickly the prob
lens which would determine the cours
oI affairs IN Great Britain and th
fmpire for generations, and unless b.
vas fnStaken in the temper Of tn
people they did not intend 20 intrus
lhi, Tremendous reconstruction 20 an.
Psr'y machine; they meant, he be
..sFsd, 70 take 10 INTO their own hands
therefore, he declared he was Yisi
Mat men Of sll political faiths ma
esrfed upon a basis Tor an electoral
4hIons Of whom made gscriicet 10
'Hr'f country.
Opposition to Reform
Several members Of the House sup
tIfffd an amendment fofroducfd b