22 DECEMBER 1883, Page 11

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR.

CHANGE OF RESIDENCE AND ELECTORAL EIGHTS.

LTO THE EDITOR OF THE "SPECTATOR."]

S1R,—The letter of "J. J. H. S.," which appears in the Spectator of Dec. 8th, shows that the real drift of my former communica- tion was not quite apparent. I intended my remarks to relate to the non-attainment of a voting qualification by successive occupations in dr: fermi constituencies. For instance, a change of occupation from Fleet Street to the Strand would cancel a partial qualification obtained in the former place. When we bear in mind the fact that Michaelmas is a favourite time for change of residence, and that persons commencing an occupa- tion then could not be registered until after the expiration of twenty-one months, and could not vote under that registration until the following year, it is easily seen that the twelve months' voting qualification is a very different matter from the mere payment of rates for twelve months. You, Sir, have often pointed out the unwisdom of enfranchising those who do not value a vote, and there I think your readers will agree with you. The question, however, which 1 have here raised was first brought to my notice, with any force, at a public meeting of working-men who were most anxious to become voters, but whose employment necessitated frequent removals into different constituencies.—I am, Sir, dr,c.,