Mr. Forster introduced his Ballot Bill on Monday in a
descrip- tive speech, which ended in a fine appeal to Conservatives to sacrifice the illegal, in order to strengthen the legitimate, influ- ence of station and property. We have remarked on the Bill elsewhere, but may mention here that Mr. Forster—probably to expose personations of the absent—has abolished one use of secrecy. A return of the persons who have voted is to be published, so that no one can escape intimidation by merely staying away. He must either keep his promise to his landlord or break it by voting against him. The effect of this will be that the briber, being a scoundrel, will break his word, but the intimidated voter, being only a little over-afraid for his prospects, will probably keep it,— a difference which will tell heavily in favour of Dukes in Scotch counties and elsewhere.
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