SUFFRAGE PROBLEM.

Gisborne Times, Volume LVI, Issue 6322, 27 February 1922, Page 5

SUFFRAGE PROBLEM.

MUCH UNREST IX JAPAN. BILL HEAVILY REJECTED. ” TOKIO, Feb. 23. More than fifty persons .were arrested and a hundred were hurt, by police to-night, when crowds of demonstrators attempted to break through tlie police lines and reach the headquarters of the Kenseikai party. •In the light to stem the tide of demonstrators the police severely bruised numerous persons. A number of police also received rough treatment from the crowds who stormed the Diet in connection with demonstrations in favor of the extension of the suffrage. Large military forces are held in readiness to assist the police in connection with trouble anticipated over the suffrage debate. The police have strongly barricaded all the streets' leading to the Diet. The Franchise Bill lias the backing of the combined Opposition, but it is expected that it will bo defeated.

HONOLULU, Feb. 24. ■ According to a cablegram from Tokio the suffrage measure was defeated by 128 votes to 159.—Reuter. UPROAR IN THE HOUSE. {Received Feb. 26, 5.5 p.m.) TOKIO, Feb. 24. The Japanese Diet defeated the Suffrage Bill by 288 to 159 votes. " Mr Sasaki, a member of the Opposition. presented a motion in the Diet demanding the impeachment of Die Ministry for unconstitutional and illegal actions resulting in the arrests at Thursday’s demonstrations. He asked Mr Speaker to leave the chair. Mr Speaker ordered Mr Sasaki to leave the Chamber and an uproar followed, fists being shaken. Hundreds of police were brought in from nearby towns in anticipation of further trouble on the part of the crowds.—A. and N'.Z.O.A.