20 JULY 1867, Page 2

The two great Universities appear to be very anxious not

only to return their own members, but to have a large share of the influence in returning the members for the boroughs in which they are situated, as well. Mr. Cardwell moved, and carried in committee, an amendment excluding resident members of the University from voting for the city of Oxford or borough of Cambridge, in right of any premises they occupy in the colleges or halls of the University. When the report of the Bill was brought up on Friday week, Mr. Lowther moved the omission of Mr. Cardwell's clause, arguing that the University Dons are capital electors, and are, at least, as well qualified as the lodgers will be under the Act, though they may not be quite householders in the sense of being liable to all the municipal rating as ordinary house- holders are. Sir R. Palmer, Mr. Cardwell, Mr. Neate, and others replied that this was really a proposal to dilute two borough con- stituencies with a considerable portion of two University consti- tuencies, who would thus exercise the electoral power twice over. But apparently the profound belief of the House in the Conserva- tive feelings of University Dons carried the day, for Mr. Card- well's clause was struck out by a majority of 61 (145 to 84), and the Dons were fairly qualified as borough electors.