reading. Mr. Jacob Bright moved the second reading, and Mr. Bouverie moved the "previous question." The events which followed were "surprising both to the friends and opponents of the cause."

The debate was carried on with much force of logic and earnestness by Mr. Jacob Bright, whose speech was one which encouraged friends and disarmed opponents-he was followed by Dr. Lyon Playfair, Sir Charles Dilke, Col. Sykes, Sir George Jenkinson and Mr. Muntz. The opponents made sentimental objections, but did not condescend to reason. At last Mr. Secretary Bruce rose on behalf of the Government. After explaining that there were occasions when a member of the Government felt with great regret that he could not give an independent vote, he went on to say that Her Majesty's Government had not had time to give the subject full consideration in all its bearings. He would ask the House to delay the consideration of the measure, because it was a very large question and required mature consideration. On being put to the vote, the second reading was carried by 124 to 91, a majority of 33 in its favour. The Bill went into Committee on May 12th: it was reached at a very late hour. Mr. Bouverie moved that it be committed that day six months; the promoters relied on the verdict already given and the burden of the debate fell on the opponents. At 1.30 a.m. Mr. Eastwick moved the adjournment of the debate. Mr. Newdigate contended that the House was perfectly prepared to deal with the question at once. Mr. Gladstone said: "I think I may say, for most of my colleagues as well as myself, that we felt something more than surprise-that we felt disappoint

ment at the result arrived at on Wednesday last. We do not attempt to limit the freedom of any one on such a subject, either within the official body or elsewhere; but undoubtedly it is an opinion prevailing among usand one which I for one strongly entertain, in common with all those now sitting near me—that it would be a very great mistake to carry this Bill into law."

The Bill was rejected by 220 to 94.

Commenting on these two contradictory verdicts, the Women's Suffrage Journal points out that the first was given free from pressure of any kind, even from that of constituents-it was given purely on the merits of the case; but the second division was taken under widely different conditions. "Instead of the previous question the opponents now moved the direct negative to the motion for going into Committee. Instead of permitting freedom of action to his colleagues, Mr. Gladstone forbade all of them who were in favour of the Bill to vote with Mr. Bright, while not only were those members who were opposed to it allowed to vote, but every man within reach of the Treasury whip received an urgent summons to attend and vote us down. . . . It is therefore lost for this session, but it will be heard of again."

... •

The Women's Suffrage Societies immediately called a conference, at Aubrey House, Notting Hill - the residence of Mr. P. A. Taylor, M.P. Mr. Jacob Bright took the chair, and it was resolved to reintroduce the Bill next year.

The Married Women's Property Bill occupied the main attention of those engaged in the women's

movement during the remainder of that session, as will be seen by reference to the letters from Miss Becker.

The year 1870 is also memorable for the passing of Mr. Forster's Elementary Education Act. Manchester was the first city to hold an election under this new Act, and on November 24th Miss Becker was elected a member of the Board, being thus the first woman in this country who has been elected to a seat on an administrative council by the suffrages of a great popular constituency.

§ 22. Early Hopes.

The year 1871 was one of much activity: meetings were held in many places, and again Scotland led the way with a large meeting in the Music Hall, Edinburgh, which was addressed by Mr. John Stuart Mill. Miss Taylour and Miss Agnes M'Laren began a long course of lectures throughout Scotland. Twenty of these meetings were held in March and April, and it can scarcely be doubted that they largely contributed to the preponderance of votes for the Bill given that year by Scottish members. Had Scotland alone been concerned, the Bill would have been carried.

That spring Mrs. Fawcett went, at the request of the Bristol and West of England Committee, to Bath, where, as the guest of Miss Lilias Ashworth, she made her first acquaintance with the beautiful home on the Claverton heights, which became as a haven of rest for many and many a future visitor in the work-a haven whither they turned then, and turn still, for the

about 1874.)