28 JUNE 1884, Page 1

In considering the report on the Franchise Bill on Monday,

a great deal of time was unfortunately lost, through a well. meant but mistaken attempt of the Government to fall-in with a proposal for disfranchising criminals convicted by a jury. After they had consented to accept such a clause, it appeared that there were so many legal difficulties in its way, and the great Conservative lawyers themselves were so ill-satisfied with it, that the Government had ultimately to retract their acquiescenoe, and to reject the clause as amended. it was a great lesson against legislative pliability, after a measure has once been well considered. And, in justice to the Government, we may say that this is almost the solitary mistake which, in the conduct of the Franchise Bill, they have made.