CHAPTER XII

MRS. WARD AND THE SUFFRAGE QUESTION

Early Feeling against Women's Suffrage--The "Protest" in the _Nineteenth Century_--Advent of the Suffragettes--Foundation of the Anti-Suffrage League--Women in Local Government--Speeches against the Suffrage--Debate with Mrs. Fawcett--Deputations to Mr. Asquith--The "Conciliation Bill"--The Government Franchise Bill--Withdrawal of the Latter--_Delia Blanchflower_--The "Joint Advisory Committee"--Women's Suffrage passed by the House of Commons, 1917--Struggle in the House of Lords--Lord Curzon's Speech 224-245