THE PITIFUL TALE OF LAURA GRAY.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLI, Issue 9823, 13 June 1914, Page 5

THE PITIFUL TALE OF LAURA GRAY.

SAD END OF SUFFRAGETTE, "DRINK, DRUGS, AND IMMORALITY." MARTYRS FOR THIRTY SHILLINGS A WEEK. EPILEPTIC DUPES OF RICH WOMEN. (Bi Euoibio Tiueßinf- Coptwoht.) (Pib Pbmb Association.) LONDON. June 12. The Times says the pitiful tale of Laura Gray throws a light on the demoralisation of weak-minded girls systematically practised by the women's suffragette organisation. (Tinm and Stdnit Sun Sibvicbs.) Received June 13, 9 a.m. LONDON, June 12. At the inquest on Laura Gray, formerly a militant suffragette, witnesses described her as not quite normal, but of a self-sac-rificing nature. The Coroner traced the girl's downfall to over-excitement; due to the connection with militancy. Her history, subsequently, was one of drink, drugs and immorality. A verdict was returned of suicide by taking veronal. Right Hon. Reginald MoKenna, v. hose Department has to deal with the suffragettes, speaking in the Commons, said the authorities were in possession of sufficient evidence to proceed against subscribers to the Women's Union. The Government intended to bring a test civil action for damages, while criminal proceedings were to bo instituted also against sinister figures with money-bags who oared more for the organisation than the cause. He declared that rich women in the background selected dupes from epileptic; and semi-deranged people, urging them to martyrdom at a wage of 30s or 40s a week. The subscribers were mainly rich women using their wealth against society. They paid the unfortunates to undergo the horrors of starvation, while they themselves lived in luxury. If the supplies were cut off tho last would soon be heard of the Pankhursts. He said he would never adopt the policy of "Let them die." He thought deportation unpracticable. He appealed to the press to give less publicity to the militanta' operations.

"WILL NOT LET THEM DIE." A WELL-TIMED EXPLOSION. LONDON, June 12. In the Commons Mr McKenna said he would not consent to a policy of "Let the suffragettes die." At the moment he was explaining the Government's policy the explosion occurred in the Abbey, A piece of the top of the Coronation chair was blown off, and the stone carved screen behind was slightly damaged. The Scottish Coronation stone was also damaged. The bomb appears to have been a wellmade thine- of nickel-plated metal. It was loaded with iron bits and fired by a fuse. In the excitement the ]jolice temporarily detained two inoffensive Danish ladies. A woman's boa. guide book and bag were found near the Commons. Lord Robert Cecil and others in the Commons described the Cat and Mouse Act as a failure. Mr McKenna. in reply, justified the Act, He said the number of crimes had diminished, although the seriousness of the offences had increased. The Daily Telegraph says Mr McKenna's statement is the most shocking in our time, showing a flavour of unhealthy depravity in the recent militancy. The Times says Mr McKenna is more conscious of the difficulties- of the problem than resourceful in grappling with them. In consequence of the police raids the militants use private residences of sympathisers for maturing their plots. Their secrets are known to only a few of the prominent leaders. WOMEN DEMAND STRONG ACTION. (Tims and Sidnit Sm* Sibvicib) LONDON, June 12. At the Women Liberals' meeting at Queens Hall Lady Carlisle declared that it. was terrible that suffrage reform, which was on the verge of being victorious, should be set back many years because of the militancy, which was breeding anger and bitterness in the hearts of the people. She said, "\\ e have a strong Government, and why does it not show its strength and crush this terrible scourge promoted by irresponsible, unbridled, and impulsive women?" Resolutions were adopted in favour of the Government taking action in the matter NEW YORK, June 12. * At the Women s Clubs' Convention at I Qicago an attempt to introduce the suftragette question led to much disagreement and discussion was adjourned.