MANUSCRIPT: Petition.
Fawcett, Millicent , Lady Frances Balfour, M. Arnold-Foster, Kate Courtney, Edith [?], women suffragists.
Manuscript Note [Petition] signed by the above, possibly in the hand of the person whose name is illegible (Edith something) to [Harry Foster, M.P.] [Printed headed notepaper] Women's Liberal Unionist Association [list of Executive Committee], no date [1899] Three pages, 8vo, bifolium, last blank has residue of laying down in album, some staining, text clear and complete. "May we venture to express a very earnest hope that you will find it possible to be present on the Report Stage of the Local Government London Bill in order to support the eligibility of women as Councillors. | You are, no doubt, aware that women have for several years been eligible to sit on Vestries in London, and in many instances have done a great deal of quiet useful work to improve the condition of the poorer classes- In connection with questions of sanitation especially they have done work that could hardly have been done at all except by women- | We therefore beg you to do your utmost by your vote & influence to ensure that the present House of Commons with its large Unionist majority should [not] take a retrograde step in this important matter". Signed by parties as above. In an accompanying descriptive note, someone has identified Harry Foster, M.P., as the recipient, giving no evidence. The printed list at the head of the letter has been edited in manuscript, with 5 (of 16) names excised and two added in red ink.
Note: "Women in favour of women's suffrage in the party decided to form the Women's Liberal Federation. This group had no success in persuading the male leadership of the Liberal Party in parliament to support legislation. Suffragists within the party doubted the commitment of the leader of the organisation, Countess of Carlisle, to the cause and in 1887 a group of women, including Eva Maclaren, Frances Balfour and Marie Corbett, formed the Liberal Women's Suffrage Society."
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