lir. Lloyd George spent two hours and a half on
Wednesday in an argument with some suffragists from his constituency upon his action in voting against the second reading of Mr. Shackleton's Bill. He declared that he had been perfectly consistent, for he had always stated that he would vote against a limited franchise and in favour of a democratic one. The Prime Minister had promised to give facilities for a democratic measure. " Why on earth women had not given that pledge a fair chance he did not know ; but all the reward Ministers had had so far for fighting the cause of woman was abuse and insult." Mr. Lloyd George went on to say that his view would be altered if the Bill were amended so as to prevent an increase in plural voting. But such an amendment would certainly not be carried, especially in the House of Lords. After confessing that woman suffrage was not the cause he had nearest his heart, Mr. Lloyd George said that if he found this was the only Bill likely to be carried he would reconsider his decision. He must, however, be satisfied first of all that it was the only Bill that could be carried ; and this he did not believe.
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