ASSOCIATION FOR PRACTICAL PARLIAMENTARY REFORM. TO THE 'EDITOR OF TILE
SPECTATOR.
St. Pancras, Sunday. Sin—I have read with much attention and pleasure your "Anatomy of the House of Commons." Even in its present imperfect state, I think it calculated to do great good ; but, when corrected by the local knowledge of your correspondents, it must form a document of the utmost value in assisting to bring about the great object of Parliamen- tary reform. Do not be in any hurry to publish your second edition ; but invite from correspondents, and seek elsewhere, any information which may serve to render it comparatively correct. This done, the next point of inquiry must be, in what manner to render your labours available? I agree with our new member, Mr. H u3lE, that the present holders of the elective franchise already possess the power to bring 'about an effectual reform of the Commons House of Parliament, if willing to avail themselves of it. What are the obstacles to the exertion of this power ? Principally two. The first is the want of union among themselves. The aristocracy already possess in the Upper House an association admirably adapted for their purposes, and ever on the watch to defend and increase their own prerogatives, and to circumscribe and abolish the rights of the commonalty. They even possess an officer, appointed by themselves, and well paid, but not by themselves—I mean the Chairman of their Committees, one of whose most important though implied duties it is to watch lest, in the passing of private bills, any extension of the elective franchise should take place unawares. The tither great obstacle to reform is the lukewarmness nnd the corruption of the electors themselves.
Now,' Sir, my present object in addressing you is to propose to the public the formation of an association, having for its object the following scheme of practical Parliamentary reform. Of course I do not pre- tend to offer any thing like a completely arranged plan but rather to throw out my rough ideas to the suggestion of those who have more leisure than I possess to devote to the good cause, and more ability and more experience to guide them in carrying it forward. I would propose then, Sir, that an association should be entered into, whose general ob- jects shall be a reform in the House of Commons, the abolition of all taxes on the necessaries of life and upon industry, a diminution of ex- penditure, and the utmost economy consistent with a due discharge of the functions of Government.
Its special objects—To obtain a bill authorizing the taking of votes at elections for members of Parliament, or others, at several convenient places in counties or large towns, all to be taken on the same day, and at the same hour ; so that all persons maybe enabled to give their votes without neglecting their private affairs, incurring expense, or under- going fatigue. To disfranchise all places containing less than two thou- sand inhabitants, making a pecuniary compensation to the present pos- sessors of the franchise ; and to invest with the right:ill large towns now unrepresented, beginning with the most populous in any part of the United Kingdom. The towns thus obtaining the privilege of returning members, to be toted for the payment of the amount awarded to the dis- franchised. Tojaveit with the right of voting (in addition to those now exercising that right) every person who is liable to serve on juries by the new Jury Bill, each freeholder iz ies.n&n boroughs- each copyholder and beneficiiit leaSeholder: The association should consist of an unlimited number of members, all persons being eligible who now possess the elective franchise. The election of associates should take place at general meetings, by bar- lot ; a small number of black balls being sufficient to exclude. Each person, at his introduction to the society, should declare that he will never, either directly or indirectly, receive any personal advantage. as a return for the exercise of his right to the elective franchise ; and that at all elections for members of Parliament or others, he will not proceed to or return from the place of election at the expense of the can. didates, or partake of any refreshment at their charge. He should also pledge himself not to vote for any candidate who shall refuse to pro- mote the objects of the association to the utmost of his power. The as.
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sociatio should bind itself to require from all persons becoming candidates to represent any place in Parliament, a declaration that they will support any administration which shall refuse to adopt the objects of the association, but that, on the contrary, they will promote these views themselves, to the utmost of their power. In case the candidate or candidates for any place in which ten mem- bers of the association shall reside, shall refuse to pledge himself or themselves to promote its objects, the association should bind itself to cause one or more persons willing to forward its views to be proposed, an I to keep open the poll as long as any probability shall exist of the re- turn of the society's nominees.
These, Sir, are the principal objects of my proposed association ; and
as its aim is rather to do than to talk, I should also desire to restrict, within very narrow limits, the time allowed to each associate to deliver his sentiments. Apologizing for this long intrusion on your valuable time, I beg to subscribe myself, your constant reader,
A FREEHOLDER OF MIDDLESEX.
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