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THE FB.EEMAN FRANCHISE.
18th April, 1860.
Sin—I have lately been informed that, when the first Reform Act dis- franchised freemen by birth, it omitted to disqualify those who should ac- quire the freedom of a town by apprenticeship ; and that a vote may, there- fore, be still claimed in right of freedom so obtained. Can you inform me if such be the ease for, if so, it is an exception to the now generally re- cqgnized basis of property as a title to the franchise on which basis the present Reform Bill is constructed. It is, indeed, what has been called a fancy franchise," and would afford a very just precedent—if recognized as constitutional—for the introduction of an educational franchise upon a wide footing. The educational franchise was a redeeming feature in Mr. Disraeli's Reform Bill; and, though Lord John Russell might disdain to borrow an arrow from his opponent's quiver, the same scruple need not dis- turb the conscience of the House of Commons.
I am, Sir, your obedient servant, A. W. W.
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