'The question as to the votes of members of the Government on
woman's suffrage is beyond me, and I have always intended to ask the
Cabinet, and (like the Gordon rescue) at the proper time. The
distinction appears to me as clear as possible between supporting a
thing in its right place and forcing it into its wrong place. To
nail on to the extension of the franchise, founded upon principles
already known and in use, a vast social question, which is surely
entitled to be considered as such, appears to me in principle very
doubtful. When to this is added the admirable pretext--nay, the fair
argument--it would give to the House of Lords for "putting off" the
Bill, I cannot see the ground for hesitation. But I quite understand
what (I believe) is your view, that there should be one rule for all
the members of the Government.'

'This was an important letter. The words "(like the Gordon rescue)
at the proper time" seem to show that Mr. Gladstone had already made
up his mind to send an expedition to Khartoum, although he would not
say so. The body of the letter proved that Mr. Gladstone had a very
strong opinion against me on the main point, and the consultation of
the Cabinet (which was dead against woman suffrage), and the one
rule for all members of the Government, meant that he intended to
force my vote by a Cabinet resolution, and, killing two birds with
one stone, to attack at the same time Fawcett, who had walked out on
several questions, and announced his intention of walking out on
others.

'By May 22nd I had finally made up my mind that I could not vote
against the woman franchise amendment--even as a mere matter of
tactics and deference to others--if Courtney and Fawcett went out on
the matter. I could not speak to them about it because of the