BRITISH POLITICS.

Press, Volume LXVI, Issue 13683, 17 March 1910, Page 7

BRITISH POLITICS.

REFORM OF THE LORDS

LORD ROSEBERY-S PROPOSALS

railed Pr<_a A~*oci_tion— By E'.ectrio TelegT_pfc—Copyright. LONDON, March 15.

During his speech in the Hcuse of Lords on the question of reform, Lord Kosebcrr referred to Sir George Reid. Hi-jri Commissioner for Australia, as a man of inunit « ability, popularity, and geniality. No better choice for the position could have been made, but, he askM, how could Sir George Reid possibly justify to Australians the abolition cf the Second Chamber in Great Britain, when Australia took care to securo a stron" and efficient Senate upon the inrfiiution ot Federation in 1900? The colonies, he added, had always taken care to secure a strong Second Chamber. Lord Rasebery deprecated the election or peers by popular vote, on the grounds tfcat it would only provide a feeble undemudy for the House of Commons, and would multiply the horrors of a general election. Tne Lords, the speaker argued, would derive dignity h;< association with corporations and county councils formed into elective bodies, upon the French basis, and representation provided in this way should form no inconsiderable proportion of the Upper House.