Manawatu Evening Standard. CIRCULATION 4000 DAILY. SATURDAY, JUNE 13, 1914. THE SUFFRAGETTE MOVEMENT.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLI, Issue 9823, 13 June 1914, Page 4

Manawatu Evening Standard. CIRCULATION 4000 DAILY. SATURDAY, JUNE 13, 1914. THE SUFFRAGETTE MOVEMENT.

It is doubtful whether at any timo in its eventful history the suffragette movement in England has presented a more sinister and disquieting appearance than at present. The claim that the agitation was wholly a political one can no longer bo advanced. Tho destruction of priceless pictures, burning of ancient churches and bomb outrages such as havo desecrated Westminster Abbey itself this week go to show that militancy has now become a campaigi of mere vandalism, the outcome of hysteria on the part of those whoso minds havo become obsess**! with the idea that a desired end can bo achieved by violence and anarchy. Advantage has been taken of tho characteristic British trait to be forbearing and tolerant towards "the weaker eex," and Oiis national tenderness and tolerance"nas produced tho situation that has astonished all other civilised countries. Tho oilicial plan has been to treat this strange movement as merely a passing outburst and to wait patiently for the hysteria to wear itself out. That course, while typical of tho British habit, is one that is beset with serious dangers. There is always the possibilitv that the public, grown tired of official weakness and inability to maintain law and order, will take the law into their own hands. There has been more than a hint that such a feeling of resentment is manifesting itself in England. Exasjieratetl by repeated outrages, and the inadequacy of the law to protect lives and property, it is quite within tho bounds of probability that in moments of great public excitement regrettable reprisals will be made upon those responsible for reckless deeds such as have been cabled

this week. If such ft porftkm should be the outcome of the crusade of militant violence, the authorities will bo faced with a still greater problem than any which have hitherto arisen out of this movement. As for the ultimate result it is certain thftt the cause of reform by constitutional methods has been set back many years by the militants' policy. Even when these outrages cease and the agitation reverts to normal and rational channels it will be found that the suffrage cause has been brought into such disrepute that its progress will be slow and its achievement long postponed. In the meantime those who are accustomed to the enfranchisement of women in New Zealand and Australia will find it-hard to understand why a problem that was so quietly faced and settled here many years ago should engender so much bitterness, hatred and violence in the Old Country.