If no amendment is made in the Resolution, it is
obvious that the reform affected will be most inadequate, so in- adequate, indeed, that we are not sure that it would not be better to leave the matter alone, and wait for a more comprehensive scheme. We admit, of course, that half a loaf is better than no bread ; but what we are afraid of in the present case is that a small and tinkering scheme may be made the excuse for doing nothing more for another twenty years. It is impossible for Parliament to be always altering its electoral base, and therefore it is especially necessary that when reform takes place it shall be of a. thorough kind. We cannot, however, believe that the Government will refuse to allow amendments to their proposals. When it is shown, as it can be, that a larger disfranchisement of the small constituencies and a more generous treatment of the great ones will make very little more disturbance than the Resolu- tion, we feel confident that the Government will agree to the development of their present entirely inadequate scheme.
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