The Sun.
London, England, 1867-08-28 00:00:00

71IE IVA IIONAL REFORM UNION.

We understand the executive of the National
Reform Union are taking steps to summon another
of the great Liberal political conferences which have
been annually held by that organisation since its
origin. Circulars are being issued to all branch
associations throughout the United Kingdom,
inviting them to appoint delegates to assemble
in Manchester, with the view of discussing the
character and probable effects on the country of
the new Reform measure just passed into law. It
is contemplated to hold the conference in the course
of a few weeks, and that it shall be succeeded
by a great banquet, at which many of the lead-
ing Liberals from all parts of the country will be
present. It will be in the recollection of our readers
that the National Reform Union held a great reform
conference in the Manchester Town-hall in Novem-
ber last, at which more than 700 delegates attended.
The forthcoming gathering will be the sixth con-
ference held since 1861, the first being held in Leeds
in that year, under the presidency of Mr. George
Wilson, and attended by Sir Francis Crossley,
ALP., Mr. W. E. Forster, M.P., Mr. Edward
Baines, M.P., and other well-known reformers. Mr.
Wilson also presided at the conference held in Lon-
don in 1862, and at those which have since been 11.1 d
in Manchester, under the auspices of the National
Reform Union, of which he is the president.
It is somewhat remarkable, and must be gratifying
to the members of the union, that ono of the main
points agreed upon at the five different conferences
held from 1861 to 1866, viz., " household suffrage,"
has at length been admitted even by a Tory Admi-
nistration ; and although there may be some doubt
in regard to the securing of real household suffrage
in the boroughs by the present Reform Act, there
can be no doubt of the leverage it will afford for
effectually obtaining that object at some future time.
As a thorough redistribution of seats, in proportion
to population and property, has always been a pro-
minent p trt of the programme of the National
Reform Union, it may be expected that that subject
will not be lost sight of at the approaching Con-
ference. One of the principal and distinctive
features of the National Reform Union is that it has
sought to combine the middle and working classes
in the recent agitation for an extension of political
power ; and it will give some idea of the success
which has attended the attempt when we inform
our readers that its list of vice-presidents comprises
more than six hundred of the most influential
Liberals in the country, including members of
Parliament, distinguished professors of literature
and science, magistrates, municipal representatives,
clergymen, ministers, &c. ; while in Manchester and
Salford alone there have been enrolled more than
8,000 members, chiefly amongst the working classes.

THE NEW WORKSHOP REGULATION ACT.---ye -
terday the new act for regulating the hours of labour for
children, young persons, and women employed in work-
shops --•as issued. There are 20 provisions, with several
schedules of forms, and the act is to take effect ou the Ist
January, with certain exceptions as to its operation for six
months. The hours are appointed, and work is to cease
at two o'clock on Saturday, "except• in cases where not
more than fivo persons are employed in the same estab-
meat, and where such employment consists in making
articles to be sold by retail on the premises, or in repairing
articles of a like nature to be sold by retail on the pre
mises." Parents aro to cause their children to go to school
under penalties of 20s. for each offence, and sums for
schooling may be deducted from wages. The local autho-
rities are to carry out the law.

,CRYSTAL PALACE.—One Shilling Day.—Tuesday,
Aug. 27.—Admissions on payment, 4,8351 ditto by season
tickets, 1,716; Total visitors, 0,551.