LORDS REFORM BILL.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1131, 19 May 1911, Page 5

LORDS REFORM BILL.

A REMARKABLE SPEECH. LORD ROSEBERY CONDEMNS THE MEASURE. VIEWS OF LORD CURZON. lij , Telcgraph-Prcsß (Rcc. Moy 18, 11.35 p.m.) London, Mny 18. The debate on Lord Lansdowno's Reform Bill was continued in the House of Lords yesterday. Lord Curzon complained that the Government's uncompromising attitude did not reflect public opinion and attributed the Cabinet's refusal to reveal its policy to its fear of sections , of its followers. Lord Lansdowne's Bill was fairness oud simplicity itself. Though Lord Morley estimated the Unionist majority in tho House of Lords under tho proposed reform at foity, tho Radicals would bo in a majority of eighty when a joint session of tho two Houses was held as provided. Lord Courtney said ho hoped the Government would encourage tho reforms, which were a great step forward. Lord Rosebery criticised the introduction of the Bill as bad policy, and said it would have been wiser to rely on the resolutions already carried. Only a responsiblo Government should introduce Constitutional reforms. Since it was impossible to frame a schemo to please anybody it required all ,a Government's influence and blandishments to secure the acceptance of any solution. Ho ridiculed the election of Peers by their colleagues, declaring that election by borough and county councils would be far preferable. Ho also objected to the Lords' choice being limited to Peers possessing special qualifications, and asked what would be the position when tho Parliament Bill was law. Who would be the acolytes and sycophants who would accept tho degrading position and fill tho denuded benches of the House? If tho Veto Bill became law, Lord Lansdowne's Bill mattered little. In concluding Lord Rosobery said ho held no brief for either Lords or Commons, but wished to preserve the bicameral system which the Government desired.,to overthrew; The debate was adjourned until Menday.