Suffragists in Midlothian

Emily Davison — Mon, 09 Sep 1912 00:01:03 +0000

September 9, 1912, To the Editor of The Northern Mail, “Suffragists in Midlothian”

While carrying on the correspondence about the Canadian Prime Minister’s visit and

her hopes for woman suffrage measures in Canada, Emily Davison also found time to

address a relatively obscure distinction, but one that clearly made a difference to her,

that is the mis-use of the term “suffragette” in the pages of The Northern Mail. Davison

draws a distinction familiar at the time, but now frequently mis-understood as she

points out that the terms “suffragette” and “militant” were nearly synonymous.

Sir, –In the report of the position of the Midlothian contest in your issue of

September 2nd occurs the statement: ‘The suffragettes are supporting the Labour

candidate, the women Liberals the Liberal candidate.’ A mistake is made here

which I am sure that you will allow me to rectify. Bu the term “Suffragette’ I

conclude that you mean a suffragist who is capable of or who approves of

militancy. As the W.S.P.U. are not taking part in this particular political context,

and the N.U.W.S.S.. are, it is necessary to point out the discrepancy, for the

latter society would not probably appreciate your delicate irony in so describing

them, when they are following out their usual plan of supporting the candidate

who best satisfies their demands.

One of the best results of our by-election work was seen in the recent

contest in North-West Manchester, in what was apparently a safe Government

seat. Our political wisdom is shown by the fact that we do not waste powder and

shot on the nowadays comparatively powerless private member. With us every

shot tells, for whatever Government is in power has now to take us into growing

consideration—

Yours, etc.,

EMILY WILDING DAVISON

September 3, 1912

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Suffragists in Midlothian