least equal in general and political intelligence to
the great body of agricultural and other laborers who are to be
enfranchised by the government bill.

Among this body would be found women land-owners, who form
one-seventh of the land proprietors of the country; women of
means and position living on their own property; schoolmistresses
and other teachers; women engaged in professional, literary and
artistic pursuits; women farmers, merchants, manufacturers and
shopkeepers; besides large numbers of self-supporting women
engaged in industrial occupations. The continued exclusion of so
large a proportion of the property, industry and intelligence of
the country from all representation in the legislature is
injurious to those excluded, and to the community at large.

Several bills having special reference to the interests and
_status_ of women have been introduced in parliament during the
present session. This affords a powerful reason for the immediate
enfranchisement of women, in order that members of parliament may
have the same sense of responsibility towards the class affected
by them whether dealing with questions relating to women or to
men.

For these and other reasons we earnestly beg that you will give
your support to the amendment to be introduced by Mr. Woodall in
committee on the Representation of the People bill for including
women householders in its operation. We are, sir, yours
faithfully,[561]

In this circular women of all opinions were represented, but a
special circular, signed only by ladies of Conservative views, was
sent to the conservative associations. These ladies pointed out
that justice to women themselves, and the welfare of the whole
community are involved in the admission of the women householders
who at this moment are possessed of the existing statutory
qualifications:

To bring in a new class, under new conditions, whilst continuing
to exclude those who fulfill the present conditions, would be
very injurious to those excluded and set a wrong example before
the community. Every enlargement of the electoral franchise for
men which can now take place necessarily includes many whose
interests in the country cannot equal those of the women who now
claim it. Their position is already recognized by their
possession of every loca