MR HARCOURT'S SARCASM

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVII, Issue 8339, 27 January 1913, Page 8

MR HARCOURT'S SARCASM

I TAUNTS AT COLLEAGUES DELIGHT THE HOUSE. THE MINDS OP MEN AND WOMEN. '"QUANTITATIVELY AND QUALITATIVELY UNLIKE." (Received January 26, 5.5 p.m.) LONDON, January 26. During the Franchise Bill debate in the House of Commons, Mr Lewis Harcourt's sarcastic humour at the expense of his colleagues, particularly Mr Llovd George, delighted the House. Ho twitted Sir Edward Grey that he had full control of the Foreign Office and had failed to appoint women as clerks, ambassordresses, and consuls, who would certainly add to the gaiety of nations.

Referring to Mr Lloyd George’s advocacy of the Norwegian amendment, Mr Harcourt said ho was surprised that Mr Lloyd George was willing to enfranchise seven millions, but reluctant to enfranchise eleven millions. He asked what was the sin of the remaining four millions ? Surely it was not the fact that most of them were domestics. Mr Lloyd Georgo did not hesitate to take their threepences. Why does he fear to take their opinions? Mr Harcourt quoted Herbert Spencer to show that the minds of men and women are quantitatively and qualitatively unlike, and that no amount of culture can obliterate the difference. He added: “Women seldom contest seats on local bodies, and are seldom elected when they do. This proves that they are not well qualified even for that measure of public life.”