INTEREST IN THE DEBATE.

Colonist, Volume LV, Issue 13718, 8 May 1913, Page 5

INTEREST IN THE DEBATE.

MR. ASQUITH'S SPEECH

HOW THE CABINET DIVIDED

(Received May 7, 11.45 p.m.)

London, May 7

The House of Commons was crowded when- the Suffrage Bill debate was resumed. It was characterised as a conflict between party friends on both sides.

Mr. Asquith declared thatch© social structure would not be strengthenedl by granting women the vote. He regretted the difference with his colleagues and .said that if they had hinted at a change of leadership he "would have been prepared to resigp, but the hint had not been given.

Sir Edward Grey emphasised Mr. Asquith's fairness to his colleagues who favoured the Suffrage Bill and the supporters of female suffrage. There was reason to deplore the unconsidered and criminal conduct of the militant few.

Sir Edward Grey, Mr. Lloyd George, Mr. Birrell, Mr. Sydney Buxton, Mr. Runciman and Mr. Acland voted for the Bill, and Mr. Asquith, Mr. MoKenna, Mr. Harcourt, and Colonel Seely" against it. f The majority of the Nationalists opposed the measure. There were a number of abstentions on both sides, and twenty-two pairs.