One hundred years ago
LORD CADOGAN on Thursday stated in the Lords that a Bill enabling the Government to appoint Life-Peers, and the House of Lords to expel black sheep, would be introduced next week. He also moved for a Select Committee to examine Standing Orders, saying that the quorum must be increased — it is now only three — for great votes are sometimes passed by an unbecomingly small number of Peers. The Irish Tenant-Right Bill of 1878, for instance, after passing the Commons, was re- jected by only 25 votes to 8 in the Lords. Again, attendance should in some way to be more strictly enforced. The authority of the 'Lord Speaker', the Chancellor, should be increased, and the age at which a seat can be taken should be raised from 21 to 25— a most decided bit of unwisdom. If you want Peers to work, catch them, like Naval officers, young. Further, the Commit- tee should consider whether a Peer can or cannot divest himself of his peerage. The suggestions, that about age ex- cepted, are generally sensible, and the last one is most important. The pri- vilege hinted at is exceedingly desired by some of the ablest Peers; but if it were granted, there would be a quick end of the Upper House. Co-ordinate legislative power would not long be left to the stupid or unambitious residuum of a hereditary caste.
The Spectator, 2 June 1888
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