- Mrs. Leigh, who was sentenced to five years' penal
servitude in August for the outrage at the Theatre Royal, Dublin, on the occasion of Mr. Asquith's visit, was released yesterday week by order of the Lord Lieutenant. It appears that soon after her removal to Mountjoy Prison Mrs. Leigh refused to take her food, and continued her " hunger strike" for forty-four days. Forcible feeding was resorted to, and her health has suffered to such an extent that two well-known Dublin surgeons were called in and recommended her imme- diate release and removal to one of the city hospitals. Miss Evans, who was convicted at the same time and took part in the "hunger strike," has not been released. On, the assumption that the order of the Lord Lieutenant amounts to a total discharge, the success of the "hunger strike" method is claimed as a victory by the Suffragists. This, we believe, is a mistaken and short-sighted view. If, as is quite possible, the example of the militant Suffragists is followed by ordinary criminals it will become necessary to alter the law. In any case such tactics are, in the long run, bound to break down the barriers of sentiment which have sheltered women in the past, and on which, in spite of their claims for equal treatment, militant Suffragists have hitherto relied.
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