Mr. Disraeli did not put the Resolutions on the table,
but they were produced on the following morning. They are thirteen in number, five being truisms, three unimportant, and five hints sure to involve grave debate. Of these latter, clause 4 suggests rating as the proper basis of the franchise ; clause 5 hints that "the principle of plurality of votes, if adopted, would faci- litate the settlement of the borough franchise on an extensive basis ;" clause 7 forbids the total disfranchisement of any borough ; clause 8 promises the vacant seats to "places not at present repre- sented "—a blow, we fancy, at Scotland—and clause 13 accepts the idea of a Commission to enlarge the boundaries of boroughs which have overflowed into the counties. The semi-official papers explain that the Government mean by " plurality " of votes that certain persons shall have two, but no hint on this subject has been given by Mr. Disraeli, or any Cabinet Minister. The general opinion of the provincial press is strongly against these Resolu- tions, but it is obviously influenced, by an idea, of the truth or falsehood of which we know nothing, that they are mere pretexts for delay.
