PARLIAMENTARY REFORM. HOUSE OF LORDS, EARL GREY presented petitions in favor of taking votes by ballot from Felton and Carrickfergus; for a moderate reform from Bishop Ackland and Dumbarton; for a reduction of the public expenditure from the Weavers of Glasgow; for an extension of the elective franchise from Cardross, Dingwall, Inverary and Paisley. In presenting these petitions Earl Grey said, although it is not my intention to go the length of some of the petitions, yet in the general prayer of reform I do most cordially concur. At an early age, I was convinced of the necessity of a reform in Parliament;-and now, after long and mature consideration of the subject, I am more fully satisfied of the salutary effects which must follow, and the beneficial results which must spring out of the adoption of such a measure to the Constitution of the country. After incessant attention to this subject, I, in concert with the rest of his Majesty's Government,have certainly come to look at this question, with a view to the adoption of some effectual and practical measure; and I am happy to say, that although, as may be supposed, the task has been one of very great difficulty,we have at last framed a measure, which we trust will be found perfectly to correspond with the prayer of at least one of the petitions which I have had the honor to present to your Lordships," which will be effectual without exceeding the bounds of a just and well-advised moderation." My Lords, the measure which it is our intention to present to your consideration, has received the unanimous concurrence of the whole of his Majesty's Government; it will be submitted to your consideration as soon as it shall have gone through the other House of Parliament. I have considered it due to your Lordships to make this statement at this early period of the Session, with a view to make the House acquainted with the intentions of his Majesty's Government. Earl DARNLEY.- In presenting a petition on the same subject as those presented by the Noble Earl, I am anxious to avail myself of the opportunity of congratulating the House and the country, upon what has fallen from the Noble Earl, and to express my conviction that, under his auspicies and aided by his upright honesty and ability, the just expectations of the country will not be frustrated or deceived, though I do not know the extent to which the measure contemplated by his Majesty's Government may go, I yet feel every hope that it will satisfy the country; and though no man in this House can more dread those wild schemes-I mean universal suffrage and annual Parliaments-(systems fraught with anarchy and danger)Radical Reform as they are denominated-I am still convinced that the period at which we have now arrived, an absolute necessity exists for Parliamentary Reform. It is indispensible that some measure should be immediately adopted; for I must state my conviction that the feeling in favor of reform is not confined to any particular class of persons,—it pervades the middling classes gene rally, amongst whom knowledge is so universally diffused; and unless reform be effected, the country will not rest satisfied. The petition which I have the honor to present is from that part of Kent with which I am connected; the north division of the Lathe of Aylesford. Amongst other things, they pray for the adoption of the strictest economy in every department of the State. They state, as one of their grievances, that the election of representatives is too frequently prejudiced by influence of Peers; and, I must say, my Lords, that unless the measure contemplated be such as to remedy the evil so complained of by the petitioners, it will be of no utility. As I may not have another opportunity to allude to the state of Ireland, I may observe, that if this great measure should be carried, it will go far to put an end to the excitement, which now exists in that part of the kingdom. I am perfectly convinced, that though there may have been an increase of agitation in Ireland lately, yet that it will be most effectually quieted by carrying a measure for reform. HOUSE OF COMMONS, Feb. 3, 1831. Mr. MICHAEL ANGELO TAYLOR.-I hold in my hand a petition from the inhabitants of the city of Durham, praying that this House will take into consideration the question of a reform of the representation. It states, that the corporation of the city has the exclusive privilege of sending members to parliament, and the petitioners think that, amongst the other inhabitants of that great city, there are persons of such a condition in life as ought not to be without proper representatives in this House. The petitioners pray that the number of what are called rotten boroughs in the hands of private individuals, may be taken into consideration. They state, that the expenses of bringing a member into parliament are so great, that very few persons can afford to stand a contest. This state of things the petitioners look upon as destructive to the best interests of the country; and they therefore pray and trust that this House will purge the representative system of the defects which at present attach to it. To every word of the prayer of this petition I cordially subscribe. This is no new idea of mine. I have been a reformer for years and years of my life, and I derive some satisfaction to myself from thinking that, if the propriety of a reform of parliament had earlier suggested itself to the House, and been carried into effect, oceans of blood and countless treasure would have been saved to England, and the taxation of the country would have been comparatively small. I hail it as a favourable omen that the question of reform is now the subject of consideration in all parts of the kingdom. I trust that the good sense and character of the House will display itself when the question shall be brought forward, by supporting it with one voice. As the question will shortly be agitated, I will add nothing further at present. Mr. CUTLAR FERGUSSON, in presenting several petitions from the county with which he is connected, said,-There is a feeling throughout Scotland that the landed interest, as well as the population of the wealthy and populous towns of that country, is not represented.— This feeling must have way; and I hope there will be no attempt made to prevent the granting to the people what they ask for-namely, a full and fair representation. The first petition is from Kirkcudbright, stating, that the petitioners have hitherto abstained from petitioning the House in favor of reform, not because they had not entertained a feeling on the subject, but because they could not indulge the hope that their prayers to the House would be attended with |