A large, but rather irregularly elected deputation from many vestries
of London, waited on the Home Secretary on Thursday to press on him the creation of a central Municipality for the whole Metropolis. Mr. Matthews, after quizzing them rather cleverly about their imperfectly representative character, and their frankness in declaring themselves inefficient managers of their parishes, explained the ideas of the Government. He was very cautious; but we do not see that there is much ground for misapprehension as to the plan he favours. Subject to any outbreak of Lord Randolph Churchill in council, the Govern- ment intend to adopt the Federal plan with a modification,— that is, to create a Municipality for each district, with a separate life, but to place above all a representative body chosen by direct election, with certain large statutory powers, and with control of gas and water. In this body the Metro- politan Board of Works will be merged. That scheme would do very well if the powers are large enough, and if the City Council is also merged in the central body ; but if these things are refused, the central body will only be an undignified, though possibly rich Board, defied by the City and evaded by the smaller Municipalities. That is not what we want at all, but a regular Metropolitan Council, delegating much of its power and many of its functions to Councils for the districts. Suppose there is a riot in London ! Is the local Government to sit and take no notice ?
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