The House of Commons on Monday rejected by 166 votes
to 110 the experimental scheme of Proportional Representation which had been prepared by a Royal Commission since the passing of the Franchise Act. The scheme applied to eleven boroughs and six counties, returning in all ninety-nine Members. Mr. Fisher in his private capacity moved the resolution, and was supported by Mr. Asquith and Sir Mark Sykes in a very able and witty speech. " Just as the Prussian regarded mankind as cannon fodder, so the election agent regarded mankind as ballot fodder." It was said that " P.R." would fill the House with cranks. " A crank, according to the Whips' definition, was a wealthy man who did not want a knighthood, or an able man who did not want to be an Under- Secretary." The political machines naturally feared " P.R..," as it would weaken their power. The argument that we must have a single-Member system so as to get decisive majorities was un- democratic. However, Sir Mark Sykes's wit failed to convert the majority, led once more by Mr. Chamberlain, and the old evils will recur at the next General Election.
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