We regard it as quite within the bounds of probability
that free con- ferences may lead to the establishment of some new balance of power as between the two branches of the Legislature—the merging, perhaps, of the two into one chamber, upon particular occasions, for the purpose of deciding by an absolute plurality of votes, questions upon which
there is no possibility of coming to an agreement when seFarate. We have come already to free discussion between the Lords and the Com- mons : why may we not come to free divisions also ?-11erybrd Reformer. [The mode of deciding a question by an absolute plurality of the votes of the two Houses would be fatal to the independence of Parliament ; as it would put it in the power the King and his Ministers to pass any Act of Parliament, by a creation of Peers. A Liberal majority of the Commons would be easily swamped in this way at any time.]
Previous page
