Page:History of the Radical Party in Parliament.djvu/463

 1865.] Palmers ton's Last Administration. 449 Whigs had not hesitated to oppose their leaders on what ought to have been made a matter of confidence. So long, then, as Palmerston should remain in power, it was generally felt that there would be no substantial reform. The Radicals had, therefore, to take up their old part of protest in Par- liament and agitation outside. Their chances of ultimate success were, however, very much greater than they had ever been before. Their numbers were largely increased that meant that their opinions and policy had spread more widely amongst the great body of Liberals ; and there was a growing belief that no active political and social life was to be looked for without a substantial measure of Parliamentary reform. The strength of the party was tested on several occasions during the session. The first attempt of the kind was a com- parative failure. In the debate on the address, Mr. White, one of the members for Brighton, moved an amendment in favour of Parliamentary reform, and was defeated by 129 to 46. Better support was given to three other proposals, which were brought forward in a more deliberate and formal manner. On the 1 9th of February leave was given to introduce two bills, one by Locke King, to reduce the county franchise ; and one by Baines, to lower the borough franchise to 6. Both these provisions had been included in the Government bill of the previous session, and had, indeed, formed its main features. They were, of course, lost on the second reading. On the 1 3th of March Locke King's bill was rejected by 248 to 220. Palmerston, Russell, and Gladstone all voting with the minority. The Borough Franchise Bill came up on the loth of April, and that was defeated by 245 to 193. Berkeley did not get so far with his Ballot Bill, for on the 23rd of April leave was refused for its introduction by 279 to 154. Judging from these notes, it appeared that the Radicals might be reckoned as something over 1 50, and that there were over 200 Liberals really willing to adopt some measure of reform. The Radicals received still greater support on questions affecting religious liberty, which did not threaten to interfere with territorial influence in the constituencies. On the 2/th 2 G