THE NEED FOR REDISTRIBUTION.
[To THE EDITOR OP THE "SPECTATOR."]
am sure that many thoughtful men must have wel- comed your proposal in a recent number that the Government now, at a time when the existence of the present House of Commons is evidently near its close, should address itself to the preparation of a thorough and fair Redistribution Bill. There may be differences of opinion as to the effect of such a measure upon the :egislative strength of parties, but assuredly there can be no doubt of its advisableness. The glaring inequalities of the present distribution of voters unquestionably detract . from the influence of Parliament, and have been among the leading causes of the difficulties encountered of recent years in the working of the legislative machine. Their removal would be attended by such an increase of efficiency in Parliamentary control as would sL:ence for many years the demand, so disagreeable to the ears of the Briton, nursed in Constitutionalism, for the enthronement in the high place of power of some still strong administrator, who should be deaf to the voice of public opinion, and only concerned to regulate the State according to his own wise and just instincts. It is most desirable that this much-needed reform should be advocated solely on grounds of justice and general utility, and that it should be kept entirely free from the suspicion of being merely a party expedient or a method of retaliation. If so treated it will, I am convinced, meet with general accept- ance, and sectional interests which may rise up in opposition to it will be easily brushed aside. I know that early in the history of Lord Salisbury's Administration his Cabinet, or at least leading members of it, were in favour of this change, and that the carrying of it through was very naturally ad. journed till the period of dissolution should be seen visibly approaching. What happened at that later period we all know, and how domestic reforms became for a time impossible. Now in peace, and with Parliament showing signs of senility, it is more than ever desirable to seize the opportunity which presents itself.—I am, Sir, &c., WILLIAM PRINGLE. Blenheim House, Teddington.
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