MILITANTS OUTWITTED.

New Zealand Herald, Volume L, Issue 15476, 6 December 1913, Page 7

MILITANTS OUTWITTED.

MRS. PANKHURST ARRIVES.

ARREST BEFORE LANDING.

ANGRY SUFFRAGETTES.

VIGIL OUTSIDE PRISON.

By Telegraph -Press Association-Copyright London, December 5. The suffragette leader, Mrs. Pankhurst, was arrested yesterday on her return to England by the Majestic, under the terms of the "Cat and Mouse" Act.

A suffragette "army" under Mrs. Flora Drummond was waiting at Plymouth to rescue her if she were arrested v but the police boarded the liner before the vessel anchored under Plymouth Hoe, and, arresting Mrs. Pankhurst, conveyed her to Devonport, whence she was taken by motor to Exeter Prison. She offered

no resistance. The militants engaged a tug to pursue the police boat, but the tug was forbidden to approach.

Suffragettes from all parts of the Kingdom had congregated at the Plymouth docks, and they were greatly exasperated when they discovered how neatly they had been outwitted.

Another crowd maintained a nightlong vigil outside Bristol prison in the belief that their leader would be taken there.

A crowd surrounded these women, hooting and otherwise molesting them.

"GATS ARE AFTER YOU."

WARNING CAME TOO LATE.

STORY OF THE CAPTURE.

Times-Sydney Sun Speaial Cable. (Received December 5, 7.5 p.m.)

London, December 5.

The suffragettes made a bold endeavour to warn Mrs. Pankhurst of her danger. "Mrs. Pankhurst! Mrs. Pankhurst! Don't you land. The cats are after you," shrieked a boatload of women sodden with spray alongside the Majestic shortly after noon. Their warning, however, came too late.

An hour previously, a police boat conveying Inspector Riley, ChiefConstable Sowerby, four detectives, and a wardress had left Devonport, proceeding three miles out to meet the incoming liner, which anchored whilst the police party' clambered aboard.

Mrs. Pankhurst was in her state room when she was notified that the police wanted her on the upper deck; .She -sent an emphatic refusal, and Inspector Riley and Chief-Constable Sowerby were con-!, ducted to the . cabin. ChiefConstable Sowerby ordered Mrs. Pankhurst to accompany him, 'but she refused, adding; " I don't know ' you." •.-■■..-

Inspector Riley. then said: "But you know me." '

Mrs. Pankhurst again vehemently protested, asking to see the warrant for ' her arrest, but was informed that being under parole a warrant was unnecessary.' After another refusal, Inspector Riley arrested her and handed her over to the wardress.

The passengers cheered the party as it was descending the ship's ladder. .">

SUFFRAGE IN AMERICA.

PETITION TO PARLIAMENT.

WORKING WOMEN PROTEST.

Washington, .December 4. , A deputation of female suffragists appeared before a committee of the House yesterday asking for the formation of a committee to deal with the whole question of women's suffrage throughout the United States. Opponents of the proposal were also heard, declaring that working women were likely to lose more than they would gain through the suffrage.

The operation of women's suffrage in other countries, including New Zealand and Australia, was quoted in favour of the proposal.

LUKEWARM RECEPTION.

MILITANCY DISCOURAGED.

[FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.]

San Francisco, November 11.

The decision of the Government to permit Mrs. Pankhurst to enter this country and lecture wherever she might please has been justified in its results. Her reception everywhere has been no more than lukewarm, and her presence does not seem to have excited the women suffragists of America to deeds of violence or lawlessness. In point of fact, the kind of propaganda indulged in by their English sisters never has appealed to the women of this country, and suffrage leaders who cried out loudest against the apparent intention to bar Mrs. Pankhurst from the United States have in the same breath declared 'that they have no sympathy with the extreme, acts countenanced and advised by her in England. Speaking to women in States where the right to vote has not been extended to them, Mrs. Pankhurst has in so many words advised them against militancy. Violence became necessary in England, she said, because persuasion and peaceful means failed, the machinery of the British Government being " an elaborate arrangement of how not to do anything." American women did not have "to resort to such measures to secure the vote. Instates whore the women's suffrage battle has been won she advised her hearers against party affiliation, telling them to vote " for the best man or woman, and in the interests of humanity.'.' In Chicago Mrs. Pankhurst, for the first time in her life, addressed a gathering of women who have the right to vote, and she said she was so elated with the experience and with a mysterious influence that surged through her that ahe felt like dancing.. '