the measure are disposed to
own.... I cannot help thinking that, for some reason or other,
there are various important particulars in which women obtain
much less than justice under social arrangements.... I may be
told that there is no direct connection between this and the
parliamentary franchise, and I admit it, but at the same time I
am by no means sure that these inequalities may not have an
indirect connection with a state of law in which the balance is
generally cast too much against women, and too much in favor of
men. There is one instance which has been quoted, and I am not
sure there is not something in it--I mean the case of farms.... I
believe to some extent in the competition for that particular
employment women suffer in a very definite manner in consequence
of their want of qualification to vote. I go somewhat further
than this, and say that so far as I am able to form an opinion of
the general tone and color of our law in these matters, where the
peculiar relation of men and women is concerned, that law does
less than justice to women [hear, hear], and great mischief,
misery and scandal result from that state of things in many of
the occurrences and events of life. [Cheers.] ... If it should be
found possible to arrange a safe and well-adjusted alteration of
the law as to political power, the man who shall attain that
object, and who shall see his purpose carried onward to its
consequences in a more just arrangement of the provisions of
other laws bearing upon the condition and welfare of women, will,
in my opinion, be a real benefactor to his country. [Cheers.]

In another portion of his speech Mr. Gladstone said that the
personal attendance of women in election proceedings, until the
principle of secret voting should be adopted, was in his eyes an
objection of the greatest force--thus giving reason to believe that
as soon as vote by ballot was secured, this objection would be
removed. Mr. Gladstone did not on this occasion vote against the
bill, but left the House without voting.

In 1872, our indefatigable leader again moved the second reading of
the bill on the 4th of May. His speech was calm and masterly, and
he was ably supported, but the division remained much the same; 143
for the bill and 222 against it. This year the Scotch Education
bill was passed, which extended the