30 MARCH 1867, Page 2

• This day week a deputation of artisans waited on

Mr. Gladstone to represent their views on Reform. They were very strong for a lodger franchise, expressed great distrust of the Tories, and ample confidence in Mr. Gladstone, objected to the proposal to put com- pound householders at a great disadvantage simply for paying their rates indirectly, and many of them acquiesced heartily in Mr. Gladstone's objection to the ballot—that it was no longer necessary for the protection of the artisans, who were quite able to stand on their own feet without it. Nothing could be more moderate than the tone of the deputation, nothing more satis- factory. than their unbounded trust in the great Liberal leader.