The Sun.
London, England, 1869-07-30 00:00:00

THE PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS COMMITTEE.

The proceedings of the select committee appointed
to inquire into the mode of conducting elections in
this country were issued yesterday morning. The
report simply recommends the re-appointment of the
committee next year, with a view to early legisla-
tion. From the resolutions proposed by the several
members, we are able to gather what the probable
result of their deliberations will be. The Marquis
of Hartington intends to propose that the
adoption of the Ballot will tend greatly
to the tranquillity of elections; that the
adoption of voting-papers in county or borough
parliamentary elections is not desirable ; and that
public nominations are unnecessary„ Besides these
re:ommendations, Mr. Bright will Make a proposition
" that the hiring of rooms in public-houses for
committee-rooms during elections is a fruitful source
of expense and of corruption, and should be dis-
countenanced and forbidden by law." Mr. Ward
also believes that the weight of the evidence
g.v. a before the committee leads to the con-
clusion that the discontinuance of open voting,
ant the substitution for it of secret
voting, would be of great advantage. Mr.
Fawcett intends to endeavour to throw the
election expenses upon the local rates, and to prohibit
the employment of paid canvassers and agents. Mr.
ITowes and Sir Frederick Ileygate are not prepared
to recommend the adoption of the Ballot ; both
•agree that the hourly state of the poll should not be
published. The last-named hon. gentleman regrets
that troops should be employed at Irish elections.

METROPOLITAN ]SIEMDERS AND THEM CONSTITUENTS.

Three metropolitan members of Parliament had
their conduct under review by their constituents on
Wednesday—Messrs. Chambers, Lewis, and Reed.
Mr. Chambers addressed a meeting of the Maryle-
bone vestry, and received its thanks. The same
meeting did not, however, thank Mr. Harvey Lewis
for his services. On the contrary, his continued
absence from the House of Commons gave rise to
a discussion, in which opinions by no means compli-
mentary to him were expressed. A resolution was
moved, calling upon him to resign, but it was objected
that a vestry meeting ought not to be turned to
political uses, and the " orders of the day" were
passed to, by a vote of a large majority.
Mr. Charles Reed's conduct in Parliament has
generally pleased his constituents—so well pleased
them that a testimonial to him is proposed. He has
certainly acted independently and fearlessly in the
House. On metropolitan rating—a very great point
with the inhabitants of Ilacliney—on education, on
the matter of cheap trains, on the subject of Sunday
rating exemption, the hon. member has taken a very
active part. A committee has been formed to collect
money for the recognition of his services.
THE NOTTINGHAM ELECTION PETITION.
_ _ _

The hearing of the Nottingham election petition
commenced yesterday before Nr. Baron Martin.
About 130 witnesses have been brought up to give
evidence against Mr. Seely's return. The Notting-
ham Journal expresses the opinion that the petitioners
are finding the proof of specific bribery somewhat
difficult, and that they meditate enlarging the scope
of the inquiry, if the judge will permit it, so as to
prove intimidation and the prevalence of corrupt
practices. Nottingham is distinguished by the skill
with which its municipal elections are "managed," as
well as by its pre-eminence in the rioting department.
It is believed that a system of municipal corruption
can be proved to exist, and that a certain Liberal,
well known for his skill in carrying the lesser elec-
tions, was actively engaged in Mr. Seely's interests
at the greater.