THE REPORTERS' GALLERY IN THE NEW HOUSE OF COMMONS.
[To THE: EDITOR OF TIIE "SPECTATOR."]
Stmt,—In reference to the very important subject so ably treated in your last number under the head of "The House of Commons and the Press," will you allow Inc to suggest what ought to be insisted on in the "distribution of seats" for the Press in the new House ?
1. The proper place for the Reporters' Gallery is unquestionably at the back of the Speaker's chair, and as little raised above it as may be, for the reason that as every Member while addressing the House turns towards the Speaker, who represents it, he would thus, at the same time, be addressing himself likewise to those not present, to the whole nation in fact, through its representative the Press, the reporters being there for the sole purpose of making known what is said.
2. The Reporters' Gallery ought to be isolated, so as to obviate the many inconveniences you mention, and it ought to have a separate staircase.
Some other conditions might perhaps very reasonably be insisted on, as the necessity of desks for those who are to write, and of making this gallery not only large enough for the present day, but easily capable of enlargement, to meet future requirements. But I will only further add, that what has been here said rests on the supposition that in the "People's House that is to be," the convenience, and even the comfort, of those who " report " for the people ought to be considered as of the highest importance.
These members of the Fourth Estate are but few, comparatively speaking, while the duties they perform are of a most fatiguing kind, and the services they render are beyond all price ; and I venture to hope that a sufficient number of influential members of the House may view the matter in the same light, and succeed in securing for us the advantages here indicated.—I am, Sir, &c.,
R. S.
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