23 DECEMBER 1911, Page 2

Sir Edward Grey and Mr. Lloyd George addressed a meet-

ing of Liberal women held at the Horticultural Hall last Saturday " to inaugurate the women's suffrage campaign." It had been stipulated that no questions were to be asked, and the militant organizations confined themselves to demonstra- tions outside the Hall. Sir Edward Grey, who spoke first, read a. sympathetic letter from Lord Haldane, and then dealt with the objection that women were different from men and had a different point of view. Sir Edward Grey maintained that this was in reality a reason for representation. As longas women had no votes, the representation of the people was hopelessly incom- plete. Man had special provinces—such as defence of the country —but defence by fighting was only one thing essential to its success. War was not a normal condition; on the other hand women took their part and an increasing part in trade, com- merce, and education. He strongly demurred to the view that the grant of the vote would damage home life and the prospects of the home. The experience of the Dominions was all in favour of the claim. He deplored violence in advocacy, which paralyzed the argument as to the prospective influence of women voters, but the violent demonstrations were the work of a minority.