On Tuesday, the chief amendment of importance was that moved
by Mr. Hobhouse, with a view to secure the election of the County Aldermen by a system of minority voting. The House, however, negatived the proposal by-ninety-nine votes to eighty-eight. Though by no means favourable to the schemes usually advocated by Mr. Courtney and his followers, we cannot help regretting this decision. To have given their fair share in the election of the Aldermen to the minority of the elected representatives would have been a decided gain. On Wednesday, the chief point at issue was the question of dividing the rates between occupier and owner. It was on one side contended that the new burden imposed upon the occupiers ought to be shared by the owners; while on the other, though the case of the occupiers for relief was admitted, it was declared that the division proposed would only be fair when coupled with an increased representa- tion for the owners. Ultimately, it was decided, by 229 to 174, to leave matters as they are for the present, though Mr. Goschen intimated the intention of the Government to deal with the whole question of rating at the earliest possible moment, in a way which would not interfere with existing contracts, and would secure owners a fair voice in any increased burden they might be called upon to bear. At the end of the sitting, -Mr. Hobhouse secured the passage of a new clause vesting the appointment of the Coroners in the County Councils. It is not every day that a private Member has an opportunity of dealing with an office where Richard I. was his immediate predecessor in the path of reform.
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