16 APRIL 1932, Page 18

A Hundred Years Ago

THE " SPECTATOR," APRIL 14m, 1832.

The Reform Bill has advanced another step. At seven o'clock this morning, the second reading in the House of Lords was carried by 4 inajority of NINE ! In the Committee, Ministers will, at the utmost, have in their favour 123 votes, many of them doubtful ; 126 certain votes against them. Such is the termination of a debate which commenced on Monday night, and which, with the exception of Thursday—when the business of twenty-four millions of people was postponed, as courtesy demanded, to the convenience of the Duke of WELLINGTON—has been continued throughout the week.