electors the dividend, as was contended for in the debate, the Clause XXXIII. of the Act, the draft of which is herein given,[1] might be conveniently substituted, and by its self-acting force may reasonably be expected to have a far better effect than the penal denunciations of the Solonic table,[2] awakening voluntary effort, and rendering compulsion needless.
The method formerly proposed for supplying occasional vacancies of seats, owing to the acceptance of office, resignation, or death of members, or other causes, is since the Ballot Act no longer possible. The clauses for this purpose are therefore omitted. The occurrence of these accidents has been mentioned by some writers as an objection to proportional representation. It is quite possible to regard them as increasing its advantages. Various adaptations of the system for the purpose of supplying such vacancies have been proposed.[3] Perhaps, a better method than any other would be to allow them to continue until the number reaches four or five, and then to vest the election in the House itself under the same proportional system, which would enable any considerable party to introduce any known or rising politician, in whom it has confidence or hope. Such an opportunity of bringing into the national assembly, and thereby to prominent and public notice, minds of especial eminence or promise, who had not sought, or not obtained, the popular suffrage, would sometimes be of no small value.
