The Government on Thursday pressed the second reading of their
Corrupt Practices Bill, which contains a new clause of some interest. The payment of conveyances for voters in boroughs is legalised. Apparently, this is quite fair, as the provision exists in counties ; but the effect of the clause will be to give wealthy candidates a new advantage, and open a new channel for bribery, cabmen being numerous. Moreover, the lower electors are very apt to consider that a candidate whose supporters do not ride to the poll is a stingy fellow, who does not pay them proper respect. They, therefore, unless provided with convey- ances, abstain from voting. For these reasons, the clause was strenuously resisted by Mr. Courtney, Sir H. James, Mr. Hibbert, and others, but, of course, passed, by 116 to 48. This clause may make a serious difference in London and in the grouped boroughs, where distances are great, and the allegation that cabs are paid for now is unreal. They are paid for by the wealthy, but the object of laws restricting expense at elections is to enable poor candidates to restrain their agents' lavishness.
Previous page
