The Sun.
London, England, 1849-05-15 00:00:00

Fourth, among the notices of motions for this even-
ing, namely, immediately after that undertaken by
Mr. liumE, is an amendment to be proposed by the

Hon. Gentleman the Member for liochdule.

Very

seldom, indeed, do we find reason to dissent from the
opinions expressed by a bold and manly reformer
like Mr. SHARMAN CaAwroltn ; and even in the
present instance, when we find ourselves compelled
to disagree with the purport of that Honourable
Gentleman's amendment, we only do so in regard to
time and not to principle. It will this evening be
demanded by Mr. SRARMAN CRAWFORD that, in-
stead of the phrase (occurring in Mr. HUME'S motion
fora Bill to amend the National Representation) "so
as to include all householders," shall be substituted

these words—" to every adult male of legal age, of
sound mind, and not disqualified by conviction of
crime, and win has resided for a fixed period in one
locality, being duly registered therein." Before this
noble amendment—this amendment, noble in prin-
ciple, hut erroneous in its immediate application,
can be judiciously accepted, and practically adapted
to our institutions—there are two or three prelimi-
nary improvements which must, as a matter of ne-
cessity, be accomplished. First and foremost, of
course, in the list of these preliminary improvements,
we put the great requirement of education for the
masses. And it was to obviate the diffi-
culties of this obstacle to the immediate ac-
quisition of universal suffrage, that N. EDOUARD
CHARTON recommended the adoption of an educa-
tional test, such as that of every elector legibly
writing with his own hand the name of his favourite
candidate upon the ticket to be deposited in the urn
of election. But not only is the necessity for this
precursory reform obvious—it is manifest that some-
thing more is essential as a preparative before the
amendment of Mr. SHARMAN CRAWFORD can be
safely carried into operation. That amendment pro-
poses the extension of the privilege of using the
elective franchise "to every adult male of legal
age, of sound mind, &c." Of sound mind ! Before
the -Honourable Representative of Rochdale can
seriously bring such a proposition as this under the
consideration of the House of Commons he ought
surely to preface it by the introduction of some very
sweeping measures of reform in regard to the Laws
of Lunacy. Otherwise what a frightful bat to hold
out to those false swearers of insanity, who, " for a
consideration," effect the imprisonment of any un-
fortunate person that comes within the compass either
of their cupidity or of their animosity ! At present
our mad-houses are liable to be crowded with the
victims of wealth—individuals subjected to the tor-
ments of incarceration by those who may there hy'obtain
a mastery over their possessions. Supposing that
Mr. SHARMAN CRAWFORD'S amendment were ac-
cepted thus precipitately, we might reasonably anti-
cipate the addition of the victims of party politics to
those of money and other enjoyable property. At
the least there would be seductions held out to un-
principled revisers of the electoral lists in the different
localities, and together with those seductions every
facility for their gratification. Every consideration
assures us forcibly that the motion of Mr. HUME is
just in principle and essential to the welfare of the
general community; and, that although the amend-
ment of Mr. SHARMAN CRAWFORD is equally correct
in principle, its adoption would not only be prema-
ture, but would be liable also to prove absolutely
dangerous. First Education—then a revision of the
Laws relating to Lunacy—then, if you will, Universal
Suffrage !

"Ask and ye shall receive, knock and it shall be
opened unto you," is not only the passport to spiritual