THE NEW MINISTERIAL REFORM BILL.

Otago Witness, Issue 42, 6 March 1852, Page 1

THE NEW MINISTERIAL REFORM BILL.

We are glad to have it in our power to announce positively, and upon ihe most unquestionable authority, that Lord John Russell and his friends have been engaged recently in framing the provisions of the new Reform Bill, which it is his purpose to introduce early next session of Parliament. With a view of arriving at correct conclusions as to the present state of the electoral system, circular letters have been dispatched from the Home Office to the various returning officers throughout England and Wales, commanding a return of the number of parliamentary voters at the last general election, which return, no doubt, will be compared with the census recently taken. ,We believe the measure of reform about to be introduced — and in stating oivr belief, we beg it to be understood that we are not speaking without authority — will be satisfactory to the modeYate Reformers of this country. Tt will not give them all they desire, but we believe it will enlarge the sufferage to a much greater extent than, looking at ministerial difficulties, the people had any right to expect. We understand that one of the cabinet ministers comports himself somewhat restively because of the liberality of the measure, which restiveness, however, it is expected will be overcome by the firmness of the Premier and his colleagues. At the presnt moment — nnd we believe no alteration will be conceded in this particular — it is contemplated to recognise a certain educational test, apart from occupancy of houses, as conferring a right to vote. Clergymen, lawyers, merchants, literary men, clerks, the higher order-, of mechanics, &.c, will, we believe, although non-householders, be invested, under certain conditions, with the privilege of voting. These conditions will suggest themselves to our readers without explanation. As respects ihe franchise and householders, as the law at present stands, very considerable alterations, we believe, will be made. The £10 qualification in boroughs will be reduced in amount, ■while a variety of other popular concessions will be made, which will increase the constituency of this country at least one-fourth. We have no doubt that the great difficulty encountered by ministers relates to the counties ; but we believe that those difficulties will be overcome, and thai the various county constituencies will be popularised to a greater extent than at present anticipated. It is not often that we have the opportunity of authoritatively announcing the probable tendency of a ministerial measure ; but-our readers may accept the above statement without demur, and as conveying as nearly as possible tie .gist of the Parliamentary Reform Bill,of 1852. We -have only to remark, in connexion with this part of our subject, that on the opening of the session the Premier will formally announce his intention with respect to the franchise, leaving the matter to be discussed by the press and the country. — Yorkshireman.