THE SUFFRAGETTES

Evening Star, Issue 15138, 20 March 1913, Page 8

THE SUFFRAGETTES

AA'HAT TO DO AATTH FANATICS

HOME OFFICE: CRITICISED.

Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright

T ~ 7 , “ LONDON, March 19. In the House of Commons, during the Discussion on the Homo Office voUp Mr M’Kennas alleged inaptitude in denlng with the suffragettes was severely criticised. .

Lord Robeit Cecil advocated deportation, otherwise lynch law was inevitable. He said that forcible feeding was futile and disgusting, [f the Government were unable to solve the problem they must resign.

}lr M’Kenna denied that Ihe law- had broken down. He said {hat out of 66 women who_had, been convicted since the Xew Year 57 had sewed their sentences and 21 mere still in prison. Eight suffered from diseases preventing forcible feeding. The fanatical character of the women must Ire remembered. Some of them pretended to take food, but surreptitiously starved, hoping to die. One sponged herself, and lay without bedclothes during the whole 'of a cold night. Some refused water in addition to their food. If one was allowed t.o die, scores would follow. Those fanatics no morefeared death than the savage followers of the Mahdi did. The Home Office proposed to ask for power to release hunger strikers on license. A motion for a reduction in the vote was rejected by 244 votes to 100.