New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1871-12-22
REFORM OF THE BRITISH HOUSE OF LORDS

REl OIM OF HE BIZ 1911 ltOi 81 Of lOkDS.
MEETINGS AT BIRMINGHAM - LETTERS FROM
MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT IN RELATION TO
TIE NORTHUMBERLAND OF SIR CHARLES
dixie.
a Conference of Liberals on the Reform of
the British House of Lords began the 9Th Inst, at Biz
mpglain under the PIcsidency|of Mr. j. ;. Wright the
Chairman Of the Birmingham Liberal Association. A
large number of Liberal and Republican societies
represented but the attendance of members OF Parla
nent confined few Of the most advanced section
Liberal party. Letters Of apology read from
Mcssrs. E. A. Lcathaiu, NJ r., J. Mundclla NJ. r., H.
Fawcett. NJ r., 1hOnl.s Hughes, NJ. p g. Nelly, NJ. F.
Jacob Bright, NJ. T.. and several otht
Mr.. r. A. Lcathan, NJ. r. wrote: do not regard the
hut the reverse An assembly SO Constituted must
always contain great nSJorty Of COMMONPLACE minds
tiona and Therefore precariois free State-renders
the I">essOrs Of careful how they air0n too deeply
House with persons OF commanding ability, or
who had served the country with distinction, VT
should confer a dignity upon the peers which they
90 hot now possors, and enable them to take up
far more commanding position; They might possibly
10 the dspaIaGcnent ard prejudice of the representa-
tive and Responsible chabtr should he sorry to soe
the power of lection vested any Minister. There
Ministerial hacks enough already. and, surprising the
Liberals only rased to the peeragc how long would
ihH liberalism resist the atmosphere OF the place.
But tL' party OF Resistance would III common fair
noss rArct that equal number should be chosen
nom ~ Inc result. ia, rcOie, On legislation. would be
MI TIC I"ry life would pair of with the Liberal
NE lV'l> hu lhr power remain where now L. cannot
nrp ihhhlng thai tie true solution lies IN proper def
ou by statute OF the power which constitution
has prescribed To- lht peers The USE VI second Cham.
lcl Is 10 prevent rdnh and llcOnsdercd legislation. Ii
the continuous veto II the Lords limited to the
duration Of one PaIlldnent, would achieve the dou
bic object which you have iii vew-ample reconsdcra-
by the country Of measures which the Lords OBJ
cled, and when those measures sent up again.
general election, ultimate triumph Of the calm
and deliberate judgment OF the country
Nj. Muudelld NJ. H., wrote: AN entirely opposed to
the abolition Of the second Chamber but conceive the
time h's wien great reform III. II the entire
abolition OF, tne hercd tary principle u desirable.
Nj. Thomas HuEhc., NJ. r., wrote: As at present ad
vsed, am against single Chamber, aud III favor OF al
lowing large portion OF any Second Chamber DO
eIo cted by TIE members of the present House Of Lords
MI. Jacob Bright NJ p wrote: IL Is out OF my power
10 be present 1T tue Conference the subject the
liOdsc Oi Lords. shall watch with interest Your pro-
auLs, d trust mat your discussions Will tend To
th;cn 'At piIbl ON question which II l. Il pity
have to dtH "I. aud which might be left uudlsturbed
II The pc,s lad onlj moderate share Of The knowledge
wIsdOui which belong TO mon oi Ia humber class.
Nj. Dixon, who was the first Dlonbcr of the House OF
COmunns sptuk IL lnc at the outset To discus, the
abol,.Cn II Tie Upper House, and rad thai he
"ihed 10 slY lLo iss.o o the personal merits