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I must
assault the police
Manchester
- the Free Trade Hall - was again to be the scene of a rally
at which the Liberal Party would utter their war cry for the
General Election. Here was my chance! Now there should be an
act the effect of which would remain, a protest not of word
but of deed. Prison this time! Prison would mean a fact that
could not fade from the record.
I was in
the grip of a policeman and surrounded by stewards. I thought
I must bring the matter into Court, into prison. For simply
disturbing the meeting I should not be imprisoned. I must "assault
the police". But how was I to do it? The police seemed to be
skilled to frustrate my purpose. I could not strike them, my
arms being held. I could not even stamp on their toes. Yet I
must be arrested. The vote depended on it. With my limbs helpless.
I decided to be arrested for spitting at a policeman.
Christabel
Pankhurst
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