Mr. Asquith made a straightforward speech of great clearness, which
is treated by us at length elsewhere. He frankly believed in recognising the difference of sex. It was not undemocratic to do so, as this was a natural distinction. He did not dream of refusing the vote to women on intellectual grounds. Mr. Balfour's speech in favour of the Bill was ingenious, but entirely unconvincing. He admitted no " right " to the vote, but democratic government was govern- ment by consent. Was there consent on the part of women He thought not. We must note that Mr. Balfour's main argument falls to the ground if it can be proved that most women do not Want the vote. We trust that proof will be rapidly laid before him. Mr. Lloyd George followed Mr. Churchill in blowing hot and cold. He favoured woman suffrage, but this highly undemocratic Bill admitted no amendment, and no self-respecting Legislature ought to accept it. After Mr. Austen Chamberlain and Mr. Snowden had spoken, the divisions were taken with the result mentioned above.
