Women and Crime.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXIX, Issue 44, 13 June 1914, Page 5

Women and Crime.

MILITANCY CONDEMNED. THE ABBEY EXPLOSION. [By Electric Telegraph—Copyright [United Pr®* l ! Abrog^tt?"* London, June 12. At the moment that Mr McKenna was explaining the Government’s policy in the House of Commons regarding militancy, an 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 injured. The bomb appeared to have been well made of thin nickel-plated metal, loaded with iron bits, and was fired by a fuse. In the excitement, the police detained two inoffensive Danish ladies. It is supposed that some member of a large party of sight-seers lagged behind and deposited the bomb. A woman’s boa and guidebook in a bag were found near the House of Commons.

A DIFFICULT PROBLEM. Lord Robert Cecil and others described the Cat and Mouse Act as a failure. Mr McKenna, in reply, justified the Act, saying the number'of crimes had diminished, although the seriousness of the offences had increased. Tho authorities were in possession of sufficient evidence to proceed against subscribers to the Women’s Union, and intended to bring a test action for damages, while criminal proceedings would also be instituted against sinister figures with money-bags who cared more for the organisation than the cause. He declared that rick women in the back-ground selected dupes from epileptics and semi-deranged women, urging them to martyrdom at a wage of 30s to 40s a week. The subscribers were mainly rich women who were using their wealth against society, paying these unfortunates to undergo the horrors of starvation while they themselves lived in luxury. If the supplies were cut off the last would soon be heard of the Pankhursts, but he would never adopt a policy of “Let them die!” He thought deportation Press to give publicity to the Press to give less pub licity to the militants’ operations.

APPEAL TO THE GOVERNMENT. London, June 12. At the Women’s Liberal Federation meeting at the Queen’s Hall, Lady Aberconway moved a< protest against the compulsory retirement of women from the civil service upon their marriage, demanding also men’s wages to women for work of equal value. Lady Carlisle declared that it was terrible that the suffrage reform, which, was on the verge of being victorious, Should be set back many years because of their militancy breeding anger and bitternesp in the hearts of the people. “We have a strong Government. Why does it now show its strength and crush this terrible scourge, promoted by irresponsible, unbridled, impulsive women P” Resolutions were adopted in favor of the Government taking action in the matter.

THE QUESTION IN CHICAGO. New York, Jun 12. At the Women’s Clubs Convention at Chicago, an attempt to introduce the suffragette question led to much disagreement, and the discussion was adjourned. PRESS COMMENT. London, June 12. The Daily Telegraph says that Mr McKenna’s statement was the most shocking in our time, showing a flavor of unhealthy depravity in recent militancy. s The Times says Mr McKenna is more conscious of the difficulties of the problem than resourceful in grappling with it. The pitiful tale of Laura Gray throws a lurid light on the demoralisation of weak-minded girls systematically practised by the women’s organisation. HATCHING FUTURE PLOTS. London, June 12. In consequence of police raids, tho militants will utilise private residences of sympathisers for maturing their ( plots. These places will be kept secret, or, rather, will be known only to the prominent loaders.

) INSULTS TO THE KING. (Received 8.40 a.m.) London, June 12. At a meeting of the Women’s Social and Political Union, a speaker referred to the Premier’s and Mr McKenna’s interviews Avith the King, and asked Avere they to believe that the King’s hand Avas, behind the acts of repression. ■ The mention of the King’s name was received with hisses and hooting. Mr McKenna, in the House of Commons, said the King’s', refusal to receive the deputation avss thoroughly constitutional. There Avas no excuse for the suffragette insults.

LAURA CRAY’S DEATH. Times and Sydney Sun Services. London, June 12 r At the inquest on Lama Gray, formerly a militant suffragist, AA'itnesses described her as being not quite normal and of a self-sacrificing nature. The coroner traced the girl’s downfall to over-excitement due to her connection with militancy. Her history subsequently was that she was addicted to drink, drugs, and immorality. A verdict of suicide with veronal was returned.