The gapettator
DECEMBER 17, 1831 THE OLD BILL AND THE NEW BILL ON the morning after Lord JOHN RUSSELL'S development of the old Reform Bill, the Times exclaimed, "Pass it, Pass it!" and a few days later, the Spectator originated the cry of "The Bill, The whole Bill, and nothing but the Bill!" It is almost painful to recall the burst of enthusiastic approbation with which the old Reform Bill was received; because, recollecting that occasion of national gladness, one cannot but contrast with if the cold reception given to the new Bill. The new Bill differs from the old one in no very important particular, and in several points the difference is in favour of the new measure; yet this new and in some respects improved measure comes forth without exciting the least joy amongst the friends of Reform.
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