The southern press. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1850-1852, 1852-02-28


LONDON, Feb lO--Since the departure ofthe
Cambria on the 18th, the introduction of Lord
John Russell's new reform bill has been the
most important event. This took place IN the
house Of commons last night. 1t did not, how
ever. excite much feeling as its probable details
had previously transpired, and they were not Of
a nature TO arouse very strongly either the sym
pathies of the liberals on one side or the fears
of the tories on the other.
The object of the minister has evidently been
to frame a measure that should obtain in some
degree the approval of all parties, while at the
same time it should not be Inconsistent with his
pledges to promote an extension OF popular
rights. Whether his desire to keep in still water
will succeed is the problem of the session.
The new bill contains nothing that indicates
the recognition in the smallest degree of broad
scientific principles. It just prnnes, extends
ard trains the old representative tree under
which the Wings have fourished. Perhaps at
tie present time this is the best thing that
could be accomplished and that what is now
done will prepare the way for better things
when new men, a few years hence, shell have
rome upon the scene. The ballot is excluded
There is no attempt to present undue local IN,
fluences by the formation OF equal electoral
districts Tor will there apparently be any
shortening of the duration OF parliaments. On
the other hand, the franchise is to be extended
so az to include all llouseholders paying rent
of Is per annum in towns, and t2O in counties
the limits hitherto having been El0 and zoo
In addition to this, every person paying ~ per
annum in direct taxes whether a householder
or not, is also to have the right of voting, and
the property qualification hitherto required for
members of Parliament is to be abolished.
With regard to the anomaly which has hitherto
existed in the fact that many small boroughs OF
a few hundred inhabitants have had the privilege
of sending representatives equal in number to
some of the larger cities and counties, ord
John attempts compromise, which is the
weakest part of his measure.
He proposes to allow these b0roughs still to
retain the privileges, but to extend the number
Of voters in each case by Including certain out
lying districts in their neighborhood. Such an
arrangement will preserve instead OF diminish
the influence peculiar to the old country arts
tocracy. which is cherished by the Wings with
no less tenderness than by their rivals
Upon the whole, it is impossible to deny that
the scheme will lay the foundation for sub
etantia advance on the road to popular leglsa.
lion, and this impression appears to prevail
among the soundest portion of The liberal mem
bers. It exhibits nothing like bold reliance
upon abstract principles, but that fact creates
no disappointment, because such reliance was
not be expected from the reutine politicians OF
either party It's chief recommendation is that
il has been framed with honest intentions, and
that although it's ingredients have been thrown
together emprically, and without the confidence
which results from an enlarged philosophical
faith, it is consequently likely to prove more
harmonious and wholesome thnn would at first
sight be anticipated.
With regard to other matters, there ia no.
thing new Lord Palmerston's position remains
unaitered, and he will probably commit himself
10 no party in the legislature, until some exi
pency shall arise, when he can stand ms The ex-
ponent of "A new and distinct policy.
A new instance Of the way in which political
views shift according their holder may be in