The two strongest amendments to the Bribery Bill were lost
on Saturday. Sir F. Goldsmid proposed that when a victorious candidate was unseated for bribery, his non-bribing competitor, if supported by a third of the electorate, should have the seat. This provision, which would have made bribery nearly impossible, was objected to, on the ground that the majority, though guiltless of bribe-taking, might be disfranchised for the sins of a few ; to which Mr. Lowe made the powerful retort that they were dis- franchised anyhow, for their choice was not only deprived of his seat, but disqualified for another contest. Many Liberals, how- ever, shrank from the amendment, and it was lost by 78 to 49. Mr. Clay then proposed a declaration on honour to be made by the member, with a penalty of 5001. for lying, a proposal which would compel the briber to incur enormous social risk. It would be very difficult for a man convicted of lying when on honour to keep his place in society. It was held, however, that the bad would make the declaration, while the good would not, and the amendment was lost by 85 to 45.
