A Hundred Years Ago
THE "SPECTATOR," JUNE llrn, 1832.
The Reform Act is now the law of England. The Bill was read a third time by the Lords on Monday ; the amendments were agreed to by the Commons on Tuesday ; on Thursday the Royal Assent was given to it—by commission ! The Tories take to themselves infinite credit that they have been able to prevail on the King to east from him that personal affection Which no generation of Englishmen ever felt more powerfully or testified more warmly towards the Sovereign than the present generation have done towards WILLIAM the Fourth. We certainly regret their success. The law is not less sacred than if the King had himself given the signal, instead of leaving it to be given by his ministers ; but we would have liked to be able to speak not only of the Reform Act, but of WILLIAM the Reformer also.
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THURSDAY, JUNE 7Tu.
The Derby Stakes of 50 sovereigns each, h. ft., for 3.year old colts, 8 et. 7 lb. ; and fillies, 8 et. 21b. The owner of the second horse to receive 100 sovereigns out of the stakes, and the owner of the winner to pay 100 sovereigns towards the expenses of keeping the course. Mile and a half. 101 subscribers.
Mr. Riclsdale's St. Giles, by Tramp 1 Mr. Vansittart's Perion, by Whisker 2 Mr. Ridsdale's Trustee, by Calton 3 Nineteen others started, but were not placed.
There seems to have been great difficulty in starting the horses. The hour appointed was two ; but they were not got fairly off until half-past three.
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