Page:The work of the Liberal Party during the Last Fifty Years.pdf/1

 S.

M.P.

You suggest that I should write something that may be of use to the new Voters under the Franchise Bill which has just become law. If I were speaking to your new Voters, and especially if to those who are Farm Labourers, I should say something like that I am about to write.

I should tell them that there is a great difference between the two Parties which will ask for their votes in the spring of 1886—a difference which they may see in all things during the last fifty years. The Reform Bill of 1832 was carried by the Liberal Party against the violent opposition of the Tories, It was the first step, in our time, towards a better representation of the People in Parliament. In the year 1867, now seventeen years since, the suffrage was first given to Working-men, when Household Suffrage was granted in our cities and towns. This was gained by the agitation promoted by the Liberal Party in the country, and was pressed upon the Tory Government during the discussions in the House of Commons in the Session of 1867.

The Liberal Party in the country and in Parliament has advocated Household Suffrage for the Counties for several years, during which the Tories have constantly opposed it. Last year the Bill giving Household Suffrage in the Counties became law, notwithstanding all the efforts of the Tories to obstruct it.

The Liberal Party gave to all Voters the protection of the Ballot, which the Tory Party strongly opposed. Every Voter is now able to vote as he wishes. No Landlord, or Farmer