10 AUGUST 1867, Page 2

The House of Lords have apparently resolved to give up

the use of proxies. The Select Committee on the business of the House report that their use diminishes attendance and weakens the authority of the House, but that the privilege is so ancient as to constitute a right inherent in peerages, which can be abolished only by an Act. They, therefore, recommend a standing order against proxies, which order must not be suspended without twice the usual length of notice. This scheme seems intended to abolish the practice of using proxies without abolishing the power to use them, and is sensible enough. The Committee have not, however, recommended a quorum, which is a necessary complement of the change. The public will not long bear divisions with only four- teen or fifteen members present. -