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INTRODUCTION
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practical politician in the land, while it would have far-reaching effects on the thoughts and feelings of the most commonplace "man in the street."

There could be no easier task for the present Government with its immense majority than to pass the simple measure introduced into the last Parliament to deal with the question. For this there is a majority ready pledged to their hands, a burning agitation ready to support them in the country, and no probability of serious opposition. It may safely be predicted that the moment a strong Government takes up this measure opposition will collapse, for that will mean the coming into existence for the next election of an actual women's vote; and though novices like Mr. Belloc may imagine vain things, older hands like Mr. Evans and Mr. Cremer will probably be wise enough to abstain from offending their future constituents. The Bill is as follows:—

"In all Acts relating to the qualifications and registration of voters or persons entitled or claiming to be registered and to vote in the election of members of Parliament, wherever words occur which import the masculine gender the same shall be held to include women for all purposes connected with and having reference to the right to be registered as voters and to vote in such elections, any law or usage to the contrary notwithstanding."

This change in the law would suffice to create a new political atmosphere. It would serve to recast every election address and almost every speech at the next general election. Candidates of