The New York herald., 1867-04-02

The English Reform Bill.
In yesterdays HERALD we gave some ex-
tracts from the speeches which were delivered
in the House Of Commons on tho occasion OF
the Introduction Of the government Reform
bill on the evening Of the 10th ultimo. The
rumors which had already reached US as to
the nature and character Of the bill, and which
have been duly noticed in these columns, are
now proved to have been substantially cor
rect. The speech with which Mr.. Disraeli in
troduced the bill, though long, labored and
Ingenious, b by no means clear, or up to his
usual mark OF brilliancy. Although some Of
the members Of the House complained, and
not unjustly, Of the vagueness and indefinite
ness Of some Of the Chancellor Of the Exchc-
quer's statements, IL is not difficult to lay hold
of tho leading features Of the bill.
The borough franchise h to be reduced to
household rating, qualified bya two years
residence and personal payment Of the poor
ratea As the law now stands no one is en-
titled 10 vote for . member or members to
serve in Parliament who does not pay ten
pounds in actual rent This bill provides that
every inhabitant who can give evidence that
for two full years he has occupied dwelling
house within the limits OF the borough, and
has during that time paid all poor rates pay
able by him as the occupant Of such premises,
shall be entitled to the benefit Of the franchise
The county franchise, which now stands at
ten pounds actual rental, is to be reduced to
fifteen pounds rental valuation, and to be
qualified by a one years residence and the
personal payment of the rates.
There are two other franchises, one Of which
is based ON education, and the other on
property.
The educational franchise Is intended to
cover graduates ofuniversities, ordained priests
or deacons Of the Church Of England, clergy
men Of all denominations, lawyers, medical
practitioners and oerti6cated schoolmasters.
This franchise is qualified by one years resi-
denoe in the county or borough, as the case
may be.
The last or, as we have called it, the property
franchise, gives the right Of voting to all per-
sons whs can prove on any Rrst Of July that
for two years previous they have had balance
Of fifty pounds In the savings bank, In their
own sole name and for their own use or who
have q similar sum on similar conditions in the
Bank Of EngiHni or h the national funds or
who haye been charged in tho shape ofdirec,
taxes (aisessed on incouae taxes) during the
previous twelve months not less HAN twenty
iahiiiings, and Who "a the 10th Of Jaly havs
paid all such taxes due By tAensp 70 the pre-
oeding 5tk day. Of January.
I All those who have the right sf voting In
virtue Of the payment Of direct taxes will be
entitled to double vote in the event Of theiI
being occupants Of rated households-that is
if the rates have been duly paid.
Such, In substance, is the bill IS set forth in
the House Of Commons on the vening of Tues
day, 10th ultimo. If we are to judge from the
fierce though guarded attack Of Mr.. Gladstone
and from the general temper Of the House on
the occasion, there is but small chance of the
bill passing into law. The dual voting Mr.
Gladstone characterized as Gigantic engine
Of fraud" and as 90 proclamation Of war Of
classes" As q whole It sadly wants simpli
city. There Is little doubt that it must either
be greatly modified or entirely abandoned.
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