You have destroyed property of great value
belonging to persons in no way concerned with the granting or
withholding of the rights you claim for women. In addition, you have
for some time past been luring other people--young men and young
women--to the committal of crime as your assistants or associates. I
cannot regard your case as having any political justification or
standing, or as being susceptible of any mitigation by the
recommendation of the jury. The least sentence I can pass upon you
is a sentence of Three years' penal servitude."
Vivie took the blow without flinching and merely bowed to the judge.
There was the usual "sensation in Court." Women's voices were heard
saying "Shame!" "Shame!" "Three cheers for Vivie Warren," and a
slightly ironical "Three cheers for David Whatyoumay-callem
Williams." The judge uttered the usual unavailing threats of prison
for those who profaned the majesty of the Court; Honoria, Rossiter,
Praed (in tears), Bertie Adams, looking white and ill, all the noted
Suffragists who were out of prison for the time being and could
obtain admittance to the Court, crowded round Vivie before the
wardresses led her away from the dock, assuring her they would move
Heaven and Earth, first to get the sentence mitigated, and secondly
to have her removed to the First Division.
But on both points the Government proved adamant.
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