Yesterday week, in Committee qn the Franchise Bill, Mr. Albert
Grey brought forward his new clause for postponing the effect of the Bill till January 1, 1887—a clause regarded at one time as the great hope of the Opposition, but which found little favour anywhere when it was actually proposed. The Govern- ment intimated their intention of accepting Mr. Henry Fowler's amendment, which postpones the operation of the Bill till January 1st next, but no longer, so that the registers made during next year would be made on the new basis, and the new electorate would be complete by the end of 1885. Further than that the Government refused to go. Even Lord George Hamilton depreciated the value of Mr. Albert Grey's pro- posal ; Mr. Goschen suggested its withdrawal in favour of Mr. Henry Fowler's proposed clause ; and Sir Stafford Northcote supported the same suggestion, and Mr. Grey withdrew his clause with the assent of the House. So what was once thought to be the " rock Ahead " disappeared like a volcanic island in time of earthquake. A clause, moved by Mr. Brinton, that conviction for felony should disfranchise a voter for twelve months, was resisted on both sides of the House, though warmly supported by some members of the Opposition, and finally rejected by 178 votes against 131 (majority, 47), after which. progress was reported.
