THE BRITISH CONSTITUTION ASSOCIATION. [To THE EDITOR OF TH1 "SPECTATOR."]
SIR,—The Press affords conclusive evidence that the British Con- stitution Association is fulfilling the purpose for which it was founded in November 1905. That an organization specially de- voted to the fundamental principles of our Constitution was called for has been clearly proved by the useful work which the Association has been able to do during the past six years, but that it would have to cope with the Constitutional crisis which has come upon us was not foreseen.
Now, owing to the Parliament Act, instead of defending the Constitution which has been the bulwark of our liberties for cen- turies, the immediate work before us is :- To restore to the Constitution an effective Second Chamber, the ancient one having been so nearly destroyed by the autocratic action of the House of Commons, which the Prime Minister him- self has described as an "inadequate and untrustworthy exponent of the real opinions of the people." To make the House of Commons representative of the electorate by means of proportional representation; and To introduce the Referendum for the settlement of grave matters when the two Chambers cannot agree. The anomalous position in which the country .has been placed is seen by the forcing of the complicated insurance measure through the House of Lords within a week.
For the opinion of the country to be organized into an effective force ample means are wanted, and if the work is to be done, those • who believe in its necessity and desire success must make some personal sacrifice for the cause, The Committee earnestly appeals to thinking mon and women for the greater support which is so necessary for sustaining the battle with the forces of reaction.
The Committee now makes an earnest appeal for generous con- tributions for the new year, so that its work for personal liberty and personal responsibility, may be continued with vigour.—We are, Sir, &c.,
AVEBURY, President.
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