BRITISH POLITICS

Colonist, Volume XLIX, Issue 11862, 16 February 1907, Page 3

BRITISH POLITICS

WOMEN TSUFFRAGISTS' DE- < MONSTRATION London, Feb 14 The "Tribune, "the "Chronicle," and the "News" all complain of the brutality^of the police in connection with the women suffragists' demonstration at the House of Commons. ( The mounted police especially aie ] singled out for condemnation. The suffragists belonged to the Women's Social Political Union, which was not invited to Saturday's demontration lest they might alienate many by their extreme methods. Mrs Despard was fined 40sor twenfcyone days' imprisonment, and the others 10s or a week to 20s or a fortnight. All the' 58 women went , to prison. A man was fined 20s for ' attempting to rescue his wife. Mr Keir Hardie has given notice in the House of Commons of a female suffrage amendment to the Addressin -Reply. , „ , Tbe "Times" states that Mr Balfour moves an amendment to the Address-in-KeplyMn the House, emphasising the importance of tariff reform in connection with the Colonial Conference. Nearly thirty amendments to the i Address have been tabled, including one by Mr G A Barnes (Labor) i regretting that no provision is made for old age pensions. Mr H H Asquith, Chancellor of the Exchequer, in a sympathetic reply, said he was anxious to make a beginning with old age pensions, and must proceed tentatively by stages. The question was how to find the money. Tbe Government ardently desired to start a pension scherne'on lines socially and financially sound. Mr Burns, President of the Local Government Board, said the matter would be taken up when means or time alowed. Mr Austen Chamberlain estimated £28,000,000 would be required. Mr Barnes' amendment was rejected by 213 to 6. Mr Birrell, Chief Secretary for Ireland, has given notice of a Bill to establish an Irish Council.