The Franchise Bill

King Country Chronicle, Volume VI, Issue 483, 17 July 1912, Page 5

The Franchise Bill

London. July 15. Mr A. J. Balfour, dating the Franchise debate, Baid that the Premier occupied the absurd position that while his colleagues defended the measure on the ground that it gave every one equal right, the Premier was of opinion that to grant women the vote would be a national disaster. If the House accepted women's suffrage, the Pretrier was bound to use the Parliamentary machinery to effect what he considered a disaster.

Mr Asquith repudiated the charge that the bill was introduced to catch votes. It was the expressed policy which the Liberals had advocated for 30 years. He did not think the House would stultify itself by reversing the previously expressed judgment on women's suffrage. Sir Edward Grey, Lord Robert Cecil and several Liberals tabled amendments admitting women to vote.

Miss Helen Craggs, who assaulted Mr Reginald McKenna in the King's presence at Llandaff, was arrested near Mr L. V. Harcourt's mansion at Nuneham in possession of methylated spirits and tow. She has been charged with intended incendiarism. A male suffragißt struck Mr LloydGeorge when entering a ticket meeting at Kennington Theatre. Other male suffragists were ejected for making interruptions.