enclosing a Memorandum on the probable effects of the pro- posed Measure.t She has perused these papers with great attention, but feels that any opinion upon the future results of the Measure must rest on surmises ; she has that confidence, however, in Lord John’s experience and judgment in these matters, and so strong a conviction that he will have spared no pains in forming as correct an opinion as may be formed on so problematical a matter, thet she is prepared to come to the decision of approving the Measure on the strength of Lord John’s opinion. She only hopes that the future may bear it out, and that the character of the House of Commons may not be impaired. Should this prove the case, the ex- tension of the privilege of voting for Members will strengthen our Institutions. The Queen is glad that the clause abolishing the necessity for every Member of the Government to vacate his seat upon his appointment 2 should have been maintained. She hopes that the schedules showing which towns are to be added to existing boroughs will be drawn up with the greatest care and impartiality. and will soon be submitted to her. The Queen would be glad if the plan once proposed of giving to the Queen’s University in Ireland the vacant seat for Sudbury were still carried out, as she feels sure that not only would it be a great thing for the University and the Colleges, but a most useful and influential Irish Member would be gained for the House.
The Queen takes it for granted that the Bill as approved by her will be stood by in Parliament, and that Lord John will not allow himself to be drawn on to further concessions to Democracy in the course of the debate, and that the introduction of the ballot will be vigorously opposed by the Government.
Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell.
WINDSOR CASTLE, Ist February 1852.
The Queen has received the draft of the Speech. The
passage referring to the proposed Reform Measure varies so
materially from the one which was first submitted to her that
she feels that she ought not to sanction it without having
received some explanation of the grounds which have led the
Cabinet to recommend it in its altered shape. The Queen
The Ministerial Reform Bill.
The Act of Settlement excluded (as from the accession of the House of Hanover) the Ministers of State from the House of Commons; but the 6 Anne, c. 7, modified this, and made them re-eligible on appointment.
