William Sidney Smith

“ Among those convinced of the wrongfulness of debarring women from a share in the making of laws under which they lived and, in many cases, suffered, was Dr James Wallis. A man of education and rhetorical power, a wide reader and an acute thinker, he was in many respects well fitted to be the forerunner of the humanitarian legislation of later days. ”

“ Dr Wallis accepted the suggestion, but by an adroit use of the forms of the House the motion was prevented from coming on again.
On August 13th, while still under the impression that the Government would afford a special opportunity for the discussion of his motion as to the enfranchisement of women, Dr Wallis advocated a universal suffrage, arguing that there was "an educative virtue in the franchise." "That Government," he said, "is noblest and best which trains the people best, and which qualifies them to perform the most important duties—the duties of citizens. ”

“ Whatever may have been the immediate causes for the Bill being dropped, there can be little doubt that the time was not yet ripe for the passing of so important a measure. It is always difficult and seldom wise to legislate far in advance of public opinion. ”