The Portland daily press., 1867-02-27

r, ENGLAND the plot of the Reform drama is
+bickaping Mr.. Disraei made speech in
Parliament on the 18th inst, in which he an
nounced the intentions of the government,
and described the nature of the Reform meas
ures they intended to introduce. The speech
has created great dissatisfaction, and the course
of the Government is generally condemned by
the press. Even the Times pronounces it UNI
satisfactory, and some of the papers hint at the
probability of Ministerial crisis, or speedy
breakup of the Cabinet from internal dlssep-
sions. .+..+. =..s
1t is quite evident that the government III
tends to Grant inst as little as possible TO the
popular demand and that little is W ~
ed as privilege and not as righ''
Mr.. Disraeli said s4.
Her Maiesty's government Gan COUNSEL ana
oonntona noa no course that will change and al
Tor the character of the House OF Commons
G@Hear' hear" and cheers.l They will respect
ind rayerence the causes that have elevated
tba rude popular assembly of the DAVIS of the
Plantagenets into senate which commands
fine admiration of the world. Hear, hear] We
cannot find do not find that there is any seen
rity for retaining that character if we do not
oppose policy which gives any class in this
country-I care not whether they are biob or
low whether it is influenced by a democratic
feeling or by an oligarchy-that will have a
preponderating power i'll this house, and there
fore IN any measures we may bring forward
we assert that the electoral franchise must be
console popular privilege and not demo-
cratic right.
The ioAowing is copy of the resolutions to
be moved by the Chancellor of the Exchequer
in Co mmittee of the whole House, on Monday,
Feb. 25: ..,, .. eA4
This House having, in the last session OF
Parliament assented to the second reading OF
a hill entitled ga bill to extend the right of
voting at elections OF members OF Farnament
in England and Wales" is of opinion iI9
l. That the numbers of electors Tor counties
and boroughs in England and wales ought to
be increased.
both reducing the value of the qualifying tene-
ment in counties and boroughs, and by adding
other franchises not dependent on such value.
3. That while it is desirable that more di-
rect representation should be given to the la
boring classes it is contrary to the Constitution
of this realm to give to any one class or inter-
est predomlnatiDg power over the rest of the
community. s.5 Is ...fe
4. That the occupation franchise inycountries
eff rating.
.. That the principle of plurality of votes. if
adopted by Parliament, would facilitate the set
Element Of the borough franchise on an extern
sive basis. l aaf lti 10
6. That it is expedient to revise the existing
distribution of seats, 5l 3D. t.F.ta brA ..ai /
q. That IN such revision it is not expedient
that any borough now represented in Parla-
ment should be wholly DISTINGUISHED. .8
g. That, In revising the existing distribution
OF seats, this House will acknowledge as its
main consideration, the expediency of supply
ing representation to places not at present rep
resented, and which may be considered entitled
to that privilege.
9. That it is expedient that provision should
be made for the better prevention of bribery
and corruption at elections saa
TO- That it is expedient that the system of
registration of voters in counties should be as
inflated, as far as possible, to that which pre-
walls in boroughs
IL. That it shall be open to every Parlia- |
mentary elector, If he thinks fit TO record his |
vote by means of polling-paper, duly signed |
and authenticated. t los,
II. That provision be made for diminishing
the distance which voters have to travel for the
purpose of recording their votes, so that no ex-
pendlture for such purpose shall hereafter be
legal.
IL. That humble address be presented to
Her Majesty, praying Her Majesty to issue a
royal commission to form and submit tn the
conslderaIlon OF Parliament scheme for new
and enlarged boundaries of the existing Parli
DorouSns where the population ex-
tends beyond the limits now assigned to such
Doroughs, and to tix, subject to the decision of
boroughs as Parliament may deem fit to be
represented in this House.
This is the scheme announced with such n
flourish of trumpets. The Times. even. de-
clares that the enemies of the Ministry could
not have asked better occasion for derision
The Daily News concludes that the Govern
ment is resolved to retain office, and let Re
form take its chance. The Ministry got into
office On the Reform question; but they are re-
solved nobody else shall. Their policy is that o,
evasion and delay.
The Post thinks that the Ministry charged
with difficult work should be allowed to 90
about 1T IN their own way, even though that way
seems roundabout. But it doubts whether
their plan is not open to the objection that it is
no plan whatever.
The Star says the country will receive Nh
Disrael's abortive effort with contemptuous
The nation will be Indignant |
that its leader, Mr.. Gladstone, was Obliged to |
face a ministerial announcement so devoid Of |
dignity, so insulting to the common sense of |
the House aud the spirit OF the people. The |
chivalry is likely to become a byword in Eng |
land as in America. 1t seems there is nothing |
too paltry for patrieian government to at |
tempt. @ H'
The Pail Mall Gazette says that Disraeli's |
course surprises everyone but the members of |
the Ministry. To the Opposition it was sur |
prise and a satisfaction. q