The Suffragette: The History of the Women's Militant Suffrage Movement, 1905-1910Pankhurst, E. Sylvia (Estelle Sylvia)
History
The Suffragette: The History of the Women's Militant Suffrage Movement, 1905-1910
Pankhurst, E. Sylvia (Estelle Sylvia)
Women -- Suffrage -- Great Britain
By 5:30, when the time for associated labour was at an end, the
Governor had sent no reply and the wardress gave the order, "Return
to your cells," but Miss Wallace-Dunlop gave a counter command: "Do
not return to your cells." There had been no previous understanding
between them, but the women sat firm, and when the order to leave was
repeated they still did not move, leaving it to their leader to again
explain that they would remain where they were until the Governor or
his deputy should arrive. The wardress then sharply blew her whistle,
whereupon crowds of tall wardresses appeared from all directions and
lined the corridor in long rows. Then Miss Wallace-Dunlop rose. Those
of us who know her can well imagine the scene. She has one of those
faces that, when we recall them to our minds, we always see as though
lit up, turned towards a full light that streams upon them, and at
the same time illumined from within. The spirit that glows within
them is intensely vibrant with sympathy for others, yet though the
sadness of others' sorrow finds instant reflection in them and we know
that their hearts throb with the bitter pain of other hearts, a quiet
gaiety is habitual to them and we think of them always as brightly and
serenely happy; it seems not possible for a shadow to fall across the
clear purity of their minds. So we can plainly picture for ourselves
her tall, slight, erect figure standing forth, and hear her gentle
light-toned voice say to the women: "Set your backs against the wall
and all link arms." Instantly they obeyed and stood where she had told
them, looking firm and immovable though the officials outnumbered them
by more than ten to one. Then there was silence, and the wardresses
made no move. At last steps were heard coming from a long distance--one
always hears them away off in Holloway. Gradually they came nearer and
nearer until the Governor arrived. Then the Suffragette leader stepped
forward. "We have sent for you," she said gravely, "because we have a
statement to make. One of our comrades has been unjustly punished."
"You know I am always willing to listen to your statements," the
Governor replied, "but I can do nothing to-night unless you return to
your cells." Then, on his promising to enquire into the whole matter,
Miss Wallace-Dunlop was satisfied and she and her comrades quietly
obeyed.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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