THE PROBLEM OF THE LORDS.
[To THE EDITOR OF THE "SPECTATOR.'] Suz,—You have pointed out that an elective Second Chamber would be a serious rival to the House of Commons, and have drawn attention to the danger of political deadlock between two such elected bodies. On the other band, the infusion of representative blood into the House of Lords is claimed by many as desirable. May I suggest that such representation lies ready to hand, and that the Lord Mayors and Lord Provosts of our cities should during their term. of office have scats in the Upper Chamber? During that term their titles would be real in a political sense, added dignity would be given to their offices and to their cities, and they could speak with that weight and authority which their election as Chief Magistrates of important centres of industry and culture would give them. The duties of Parliament would not prevent their fulfilling the more important of their civic duties, while the less important ones could be done by a Deputy Lord Mayor or Lord Provost. This deputy would be in training for the office of next Lord Mayor, to which ipso facto he should succeed.—I am, Sir, &c., 54 Bedford Square, W.C. EDWIN T. HALL.
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