The Express.
London, England, 1866-05-15 00:00:00

THE GOVERNMENT REFORM BILLS.

Last night a numerously attended and influential
public meeting of the inhabitants of Croydon was held
at the large hall of the Literary Institution in that town,
for the adoption of measures to promote the passing of the
government Reform BilL The chair was occupied by Dr.
Carpenter, who stated that letters had been received from
Mr. Locke King and Mr. Buxton, the members for East
Surrey, regretting their unavoidable absence. Mr.
Cowdell moved the first resolution—" That this meeting
approves of the government measure of reform, as based on
/. franchise in boroughs and a 14/. franchise in counties,
and urges the ministry to prosecute it to a successful issue."
Mr. 'W. Mallison seconded the resolution. Mr. G. L
Gower, recently unseated on petition as the member for
Reigate, said that the speeches o Mr. Lowe against this
bill were equally applicable to any other measure of
reform. The tones said that because there was not a strong
agitation for reform the people did not want it, but he
would not admit that argument, as the unenfranehised
masses had no wish to convulse the country, but to obtain
their rights in a peaceful manner, which was the best
proof that they were deserving of them. He had
no doubt that the tones would do all they could to injure
the bills in committee, and would press for a 201. franchise
in counties and an franchise in boroughs. As to the
opinion of the people on reform, large numbers of meetings
had been held in favour of the government measure but
not one against it. The resolution was adopted, and on
the motion of Mr. Radley a petition based upon the same.
was adopted. It was also resolved to forward a memorial
setting forth the claims of Croydon to be created • par-
liamentary borough, and the meeting separated.

A meeting of the Reform Committee (which is
composed of representatives of the different sections of the
liberal party) was held in the Music-hall, Chester, on
Friday evening, Alderman FAKIR in the chair. The fol-
lowing resolutions were carried unanimously :—" That this
committee, having considered the provisions of the Redis-
tribution Of Seats Bill, introduced by the Right Hon. the
Chancellor of the Exchequer to the House of Commons on
Monday last, and the Reform Bill for Ireland and Scotland,
proposed by other members of her Majesty's government,
hereby express their approval of the same as wise, just, and
politic measures. The committee pledge themselves to
render all the assistance that may be in their power to aid
the government in carrying their measures successfully
through both houses of parliament. That this committee
further express their entire confidence in the honest inten-
tion and sincerity of the government in regard to the
reform in the representation of the people, and hope that
they will not yield any concessions to the opposition in
committee on the Franchise Bill that will raise the quali-
fication of voters to more than the H. for boroughs and
lit for counties, as proposed by the bill, but will insist
upon the measure being carried or rejected in its integrity.
That copies of the foregoing resolutions be signed by the
chairman on behalf of the committee, and forwarded to
the Prime Minister and the Right Hon. the Chancellor of
the Exchequer." In accordance with this latter resolu-
tion the former resolutions were signed, and despatohed
on Saturday morning.

The principals and professors of St. Andrew's Uni-
versity have petitioned the House of Commons that two
seats instead of one maT be assigned in the bill now before
parliament to the Scottish Universities.