Dr. Lushingtonpresented a Petition from the Inhabitants of the Ward of Castle Baynard, complaining of the present restrictions on the right of voting in the City of London, and praying the House to adopt some measure for the extending the Franchise to all Freeholders.
Alderman Woodsaid, he was satisfied that none of the representatives of the City of London would object to an extension of the number of voters, although they were compelled to pay their respects to upwards of 14,000 in every three or four years, when an election took place. The prayer of the petitioners, if granted, would extend that number to 5,000 more, because it was undoubtedly true, that a very great number of the freeholders had it not in their power to become Liverymen. He was sure, however, that the Members for the City could have no objection to make them so, and he did not think there would be any great opposition to the measure on the part of the Liverymen themselves.
§ The Petition to be printed.