What an extraordinary revelation, the report that suffragettes planned to shoot Prime Minister Herbert Asquith at the beginning of the last century, such was their desperation to vote.
I admire the restraint shown by police who responded by merely redoubled their 
precautions, fearing that publicity resulting from the women’s arrest would further inflame the situation. Yet these “half-insane” women had apparently been practising their skills at a shooting range.
They obviously didn’t carry out their plan, I’m sure their heated passions at the injustice of their situation simply fired up their imagination. They realised they needed to take drastic action to get their message across, just like Fathers4Action today.
There is one unsung hero we should remember for his immense role. The Pankhursts were fortunate enough to be inspired by a very supportive and liberal husband/father who used his legal training to draft legislation that helped emancipate women. He was a remarkable man and didn’t mind the scorn showered on him by his peers for supporting equal rights for women.
If only they knew how 100 years later, voter apathy would become so prominent among both men and women. We owe them so much, such brave acts to ensure justice for women should never be forgotten.
And just think how ashamed the Pankhursts, Emily Davidson et al would be that only 61% of the electorate could be bothered to vote in 2005.
Absolutely shocking, I have read about how some people will walk for a couple of days in third world countries to go and vote, it is so important to them.
I agree. I am ashamed of myself when I become apathetic about voting. But doesn’t it reflect on the politicians of our time?
Ellee, I’m lucky you left a comment on my site because I’ve now discovered this and it’s on my list. The Asquith piece is very well written and your site layout is clear and understandable. Plus it’s a lady’s perspective and there’re too few of those on my blogroll.
Ellee, the Suffragettes strived so hard to get the vote, it’s such a shame more people don’t use it.
I always say that if a person doesn’t bother to vote, they have no right to complain about the government in charge.
What is with politicos that they believe the masses should endorse them.
As I recall, alot of suffragettes were horrified by the thought of ill educated poor folk voting.
It was a valuable thing that these women did and I admire them greatly.
What a fantastic post Ellee. Those women need to be remembered, as do the police, very progressive for their time :o)
Hi! Yes I agree people walk for miles to cast their votes.good posting .Wish you a nice weekend.
Thanks for sharing
Wonderful piece but I’m hungry for the next. Some people are never satisfied.