22 OCTOBER 1853, Page 1

The Metropolitan Commissioners of Sewers have made a great step

in advance. They have still, indeed, insufficient money for outstanding works, and sufficient powers will not be conferred upon them till " next session "; but whereas formerly they talked of contemplating a comprehensive scheme of drainage to intercept the pollutions which now reach the Thames, they now talk of accomplishing that scheme ; and accordingly they have adopted re- ports by Mr. Bazalgette for a plan which would appear to consti- tute a step in the right direction, and to involve the expenditure of nearly a million sterling. If these reports be carried out, or anything resembling them, the first desideratum in Thames-reform will be accomplished—the river will be relieved of its duty as grand sewer, and restored to the state of " translucent wave."

Meanwhile, a fresh and unexpected impulse has been given to municipal reform within London City itself. The magnates of that peculiar community abstain from its more troublesome offices, and rejoice rather in the dignities than the duties of public service. It is such persons that in former days have been the obstruct- ers of reform. Among the plain citizens are many who execute the humbler duties with patient zeal, and who learn to value the opportunities thus afforded for promoting unity of feeling in the body of the residents. They are for preserving the Corporation, though they are not, we believe, adverse to reforms. Elected to the shrievalty on the default of some magnate who disliked to serve, Mr. Wallis—a son, it would seem, of this plain citizen party—has convened a meeting at the London Tavern, and has thus obtained cooperation of a public kind. The object is to hold a Common Hall for the purpose of deliberating on the best way of aiding the Royal Commissioners who are now inquiring into the state of the Corporation, so as to secure improvement with a con- tinuance of local self-government. It has not yet appeared that any leading men in the City are with the new Sheriff ; whether through their fault or his, we don't know. However, he has called forth what looks like a genuine and popular movement towards City Reform.