LETTERS TO THE EDITOR.
THE HOUSE OF LORDS.
[To TIIB EDITOR OF TUN " SPZOTATOB,"]
SIn,—Before me lies an article, evidently from a powerful and distinguished pen, on the question of the House of Lords. It treats the House, not as an antiquated institution needing to be reformed or replaced, but as a public enemy to be assailed and trampled on, curtailed even of the scantling of authority which Sir Henry Campbell-Bannerman would preserve to it, and left in its impotence to drag on an ignominious existence. A singular Constitution that of England would be, with a Legislature of two Houses, one to legislate and the other to be kicked! What chance can there be of a rational settlement if the question is approached in such a temper as this ? It has also been conjectured that the Commons will wish to keep the House of Lords as the veil for their own absolute power. That which requires a veil can hardly be good. It is also hinted that they will be afraid of letting loose upon them- selves titled candidatures at elections. Strange motives these for a decision of the most vital of political questions. Of all policies, that of keeping the House of Lords unreformed, but impotent and degraded, surely is the worst. Universal suffrage, including women, is at hand. Labour is in a state of insurrection. The conservative influence of religion is being withdrawn. The world in general is unsettled. Was there ever a greater need of a Second Chamber such as the highest and calmest statesmanship in the broad interests of the nation, not in that of party, might construct P—I am,
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