WOMEN’S FRANCHISE.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXV, Issue 25, 28 January 1913, Page 2

WOMEN’S FRANCHISE.

London, January 27. The non-militants of the National Union Party declare that the Speaker’s possible ruling will wipe out Mr Asquith’s pledges, and demand a new Government measure. Lady Ward distributed the prizes at .the Browning settlement. She referred to the smooth working of the Women’s Suffrage Act in New Zealand. The National Anti-Suffragette League representing 30,000 women members, has appealed to the House of Commons to reject the women’s suffrage amendments as unjust both to men and women. Mr Buxton has informed the Divorce Law Reform Union that there is no immediate prospect of legislation. INTENSE INTEREST IN THE SPEECHES. POLICE PROTECTION AT THE HOUSE. (Received 10.10 a.m.) London, January 27. The House of Commons was crowded, and 2000-police were in attendance outside the building. Mr Asquith (Premier) isaid the Speaker’s ruling was unexpected. The Government had considered the point, and believed'precedents justified their action. He denied there had been sharp practice, but it would be useless to continue the discussion on Sir Edward Grey’s amendment. The Government would proceed with electoral reform during the present Parliament, and would give facilities for a private Woman’s Suffrage Bill next session. FEDERALISM FORESHADOWED. In the Houge of Lords, Lord Crewe moved the second reading of the Home Rule Bill, and foreshadowed federalism as applying to Scotland.