| Main Performers | Chancellor of the Exchequer,
Sir J Kitson MP,
Mr W H Dickinson (Chairman of the London Liberal Federation),
Prime Minister, Sir Henry Campbell-Bannerman - speakers |
| Secondary Performers | Sir E Cornwall (Chairman of the London County Council),
Dr Macnamara |
| Set List | Welcome speech (Mr W H Dickinson),
Speech (Sir Henry Campbell-Bannerman),
Resolution (Sir J Kitson MP),
Seconded (Sir E Cornwall),
Resolution Carried,
Vote of Thanks and Resolution (Chancellor of the Exchequer),
'He's a Jolly Good Fellow',
Seconded (Dr Macnamara),
Resolution Carried,
'God Save the King' (The National Anthem) |
| Performance Notes | Prime Minister Sir Henry Campbell-Bannerman gave his first public speech after becoming Prime Minister of Great Britain at this event. The Prime Minister's speech covered the topics - The Self Esteem of the Late Government; The Issue Before the Country; Liberal Policy; Chinese Labour; Foreign Affairs; Expenditure and Armaments; Economy and Finance; Popular Control; Social Reform; London Problems; The Law of Combination; and The Issues at Stake.
"The right hon. gentleman was surrounded on the platform by most of the members of the Cabinet and of the Ministry outside the Cabinet, and was welcomed by a vast audience of 9,000 people...For an hour before the proceedings began the audience passed the time in singing with much fervour the familiar political songs. As the more prominent members of the new Ministry entered and were recognised they were cordially cheered. Apart from the Prime Minister, the greatest ovation was reserved for Mr John Burns, at whom the meeting rose and cheered with unmistakable heartiness. Just after this, to the strains of 'He's a Jolly Good Fellow', Sir H Campbell-Bannerman entered, and the demonstration was renewed with even greater volume and enthusiasm."
(The Times, 22 December 1905)
This was the first event at the Hall that was disturbed by 3 Suffragettes and members of the Women's Social and Political Union (WSPU). Sylvia Pankurst's book, 'The Suffragette; the History of the Women's Militant Suffrage Movement, 1905-1910', gives a more detailed account. The women were Annie Kenney, Teresa Billington-Greig and one other.
"As soon as the Prime Minister was seated, a woman who had obtained a front place in the first tier of seats spread out a white banner with the words 'Votes for Women' upon it. But the banner called forth cheers of derision rather than of sympathy, for it was displayed upside down. Meanwhile, the woman in the balcony who had interrupted the Prime Minster, renewed her efforts to make herself heard, and unfolded a banner with the inscription 'Will the Liberal Government Give Working Women a Vote?' Again there were derisive cheers, mingled with hisses and cries of 'Turn her out'. But the organist played a few bars of 'For he's a Jolly Good Fellow', the great audience took up the refrain, and order was restored.When, at invitation of the chairman, Sir James Kitson rose to address the meeting, the woman in the balcony again raised her voice and caused considerable delay. Persuasion failed to quiet her, and finally she was ejected from the hall, not without protestation and resistance. Her companion in the first tier was also removed. These women were the same who caused disturbance at Mr Asquith's meeting at the Queen's-hall on Wednesday."
(The Times, 22 December 1905)
The event was broadcast live by 'electrophone', which was launched by the London Electrophone Company in November 1894. Formed by one M S J Booth, the service 'broadcast' news, entertainment and church services over the lines of the National Telephone Company. Subscribers hit 600 by 1908. The introduction of radio ended its popularity and the Hall's Electrophone apparatus was finally removed on 1 April 1925.
"The Electrophone Company arranged that Sir Henry Campbell-Bannerman's speech should be transmitted through it instruments to various political clubs, not only in the London area, but also in cities like Manchester, Liverpool, and Sheffield. If those who listened to the speech in this way heard it, as well as a party seated in the saloon of the Electrophone Company in Gerrard-Street, they were probably a good deal better off than many who occupied seats in the Albert-hall itself, at least to judge by the admonitions to 'speak up' which were several times addressed to the speaker."
(The Times, 22 December 1905) |
| Related Archival Material | Illustration (RAHE/9/1905/4) |