THE RIGHTS OF SUFFRAGETTES

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LII, Issue 176, 30 August 1909, Page 2

THE RIGHTS OF SUFFRAGETTES

IN PETITIONING THE PREMIER. POLICE COURT PROCEEDINGS. By Cabla, —Press Association.—Copyright Received 29, 5.5 p.m. , London, August 2ft. Mrs. Despard, and several other suffragists, were charged at the Bow Street Court in connection with n disturhance arising out of the recent attempt to present a petition to Mr. Asquith. Mr. Tim. Ilenly, who appeared for the defence, maintained that his clients

were entitled constitutionally to pres-ut a petition to the Sovereign or the Sovereign's chief officer. He contrasted the toleration allowed powerful combinations with regard to assembling outside factories under the Trades Union Act

■if 11)00 with the treatment meted out to these ladies, standing day after day, in all weathers, humbly asking for a vote. Would a British jury blame them, or a man for refusing to see them? If the magistrate so declined to acquit defendants, he would ask him to state a ease, and then ho would ascertain wnet'her the judges of the High Court thought the rights of the millions could be swept a-way at the bidding of a sasnal and ephemeral Premier. If the defendants had gone to applaud Mr. Asquith or the' Liberal Party or the Budget, they would not have'been removed.

Mr. Curtis-Bennett, the prcsidiig Magistrate, reserved his decision for a week.