The Sun.
London, England, 1867-02-04 00:00:00

Mr. Brand, M.P., on Reform.

The Right Hon. H. Brand and Lord Pelham, the
Liberal members for Lewes, addre.sed their consti-
tuents in the Public Lecture-hall on Friday evening
last, Mr. B. Godlee presiding. Mr. Brand, who, on
presenting himself, was loudly cheered, spoke at
considerable length on the question of Reform, ob-
serving that such an increase had taken place since
1832 in the wealth and prosperity of the country—
a working class having since that time sprung up
which was then almost unknown—that a consider-
able extension of the franchise was demanded.
Adverting to the bill which had been proposed
by the late Government, he contended that it
was an honest measure, framed with that ob-
ject, maintaining that with the view to passing it
into law the Government had taken a wise course
in separating the subject into two distinct parts.
That, he aided, was no new opinion, so far as he
was concerned. He bad, on the occasion of the
withdrawal of the last Reform measure, introduced
under the auspices of the Government of which
Lord Palmerston was at the head, expressed it to be
his belief that in future it would be difficult to
carry any such measure if too much were at-
tempted ; whereupon that distinguished statesman
made the characteristic remark, " Perhaps that may
be so, but it is plain that the present House of
Commons is not disposed to deal with Reform in
any shape." Be that as it might, it was not a little
strange that the moment the bill of the late Govern-
ment was introduced those who were opposed to all
Reform sought to make it more comprehensive by
demanding that with the question of the extension
of the franchise that of the redistribution of
scats as well as the the question of bribery and
corruption should be coupled. The real truth, how-
ever, was that if an angel from heaven were to pre-
pare a reform bill some objection would be raised
to it. The bill, he might add, was defeated, not so
much owing to the attacks of its open enemies as to
those of false friends. The Cave of Adullam sent
out its gloomy and discontented spirits, who formed
an unholy alliance with the Tories, and by their
united exertions the bill was defeated. The bill was
not, perhaps, perfect, but then it might easily have
been amended in committee, and there were many
who last year opposed it who now, he believed, re-
pented the course they had taken. One thing was
certain—that if it had been passed the working
classes, who were naturally anxious for the fran-
chise, would have been contented. In one respect
he might add, and iu only one, had the position of
the advocates of Reform been improved since last
session. Since then the working classes had unmis-
takeably, but still in an orderly and proper manner,
shown that they were not indifferent in the matter.
There had been meetings of large masses of people
in the different towns, and he was not aware that
upon any one of these occasions the public peace had
been broken, for the disturbances which took place
in Hyde Park were, he maintained, the work of the
roughs and idlers of Loudon. But although some-
thing had been gained since last session, the ques-
tion of Reform had since then in one important re-
spect receded. It had passed out of the hands of a
Gladstone into those of a Disraeli, which would
scarcely bethought an advantage by the working men
mong whom the name of Gladstone was a house old

word. It was not for him to lift the veil of mystery
which hung over the proceedings of the present Go-
vernment on the subject; but if the Ministry of
Lord Derby should present itself to the country as
a Ministry of Reform it would be something like
gathering grapes from thorns or figs from thistles.
At the same time he for his own part should be
happy to give to any measure of Reform which they
might introduce the most favourable consideration.
Lord Pelham, M.P., spoke in a similar strain on the
Reform question. He also expressed his disapproval
of ritualism, and said he was for the total abolition
of church rates. His lordship was enthusiastically
received. A vote of confidence in Mr. Brand and
Lord Pelham was proposed and carried unanimously,
and the meeting, which was a crowded one, then
broke up.