THE SUFFRAGETTES.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 144050, 20 March 1913, Page 3

THE SUFFRAGETTES.

GOVERNMENT CRITICISED. DEALING WITH FANATICS, By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright, LONDON, March 19. In the House of Commons, on the discussion of the Home Office vote, Mr. M'Kenna’s ineptitude in dealing with tho suffragettes was severely criticised. Lord Robert Cecil advocated their deportation, otherwise lynch law was inevitable. Forcible feeding was futile and was unable to solve the problem it must resign. Mr. M'Kenna denied that the law had been broken down. Of sixty-six suffragettes convicted since the New Year, thirty-seven had served their sentences, and twenty-quo were still in prison. Eight suffered from diseases preventing forcible feeding. The' fanatical character of the women must be remembered. Some pretended to take food, but surreptitiously starved, homing to die. One sponged herself and lay without the bed-clothes for a whole cold night. Some refused water in addition/to food. If one were allowed to die scores would follow. These fanatics no more feared death than the savage followers of the Mahdi. The Home Office proposed to ask for power to release hunger strikers.