4 JUNE 1932, Page 25

A Hundred Years Ago

THE " SPECTATOR," JUNE 2an, 1832.

In another week we shall have to bid adieu to the Reform Bill for ever ; it will then be the Reform Act.

• • • • The Bill for abolishing the punishment of death in eases of theft or robbery, unaccompanied with violence or threats of violence, went through committee in the House of Commons on Wednesday. Sir Robert Peel contended for the retention of the punishment of death in the case of horse-stealing, and also for stealing in dwelling- houses, on account of the risk to the security of property that its repeal would occasion. • • • •

In the evening of Monday, the King gave a dinner to all the members of the Royal family, except the Duke of titls,ex, who is not yet restored to favour.