l franchise whatsoever. Justice requires
that the principle should be fully carried out by extending to
women the right to vote for members of parliament, whose
legislation so strongly affects their welfare. Prudence also
requires that an important class of educated and philanthropic
persons should not be left out, or their claims postponed, when a
large addition is likely to be made to the less educated portion
of the electorate. We most seriously believe that few things
could happen more dangerous for the real happiness of the nation
than to permit the opportunity to pass without the admission of
legally qualified women within the circle of the constitution.

A correspondence also was conducted with Mr. Gladstone by the
Bristol Ladies' Liberal Association and others whom they invited to
join them, of known Liberal views, urging him to receive a
delegation and praying that

It may not in the future be said that women alone were unworthy
of any measure of confidence which you so rightly extended even
to the humblest and most ignorant men.

Mr. Gladstone declined to receive the deputation, partly on the
ground of illness, partly lest the admission of their views might
interfere with his plans for the bill. So the day of battle drew
on, when a rumor began to be circulated that the government
intended to oppose Mr. Woodall's clause, on the ground that its
admission might endanger the bill. Strenuous efforts were at the
same time made to induce him to withdraw the amendment, and the
government whips plainly intimated that the question would not be
considered an open one, on which members were to be free to vote
according to their convictions, but as one which the government had
made up their minds to oppose. With the hope of changing this
determination a memorial was signed by seventy-seven members of
parliament, and presented to Mr. Gladstone, asking him to leave the
introduction of the clause an open question. It represented--

That the Franchise bill being now in committee a favorable
opportunity is afforded for the discussion of the amendment for
extending its provisions to women, of which notice has been given
by Mr. Woodall.

That your memorialists have heard a rumor that her majesty's
government have declared against allowing the question to be
discussed and decided on its merits, on the ground that the
ado