§ AGAINST THE THIRD READING OF THE
§ PARLIAMENTARY AND MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS BILL.
§ HOUSE OF LORDS, JUNE 25, 1872.
§ "DISSENTIENT:
§ "1. Because contests must be greatly increased in number, as no such preliminary meetings can be held before an election as will be any guides to candidates of their chances of success, from the secrecy which will prevent many from declaring their opinions.
§ "2. Because the small number of nominators might greatly increase the number of candidates in a constituency of 2,000 voters (where only one candidate can be elected), so that where two candidates might poll 1,000 votes each, out of 20 candidates polling near 100 each 19 might be defeated and the election carried by a candidate polling a little more than a tenth part of the voters.
§ "3. Because after the balloting the collection of ballot boxes and counting of the papers would make a declaration of the poll a subject of suspense and delay for many days in large constituencies, which would greatly tend to excitement and ill-feeling and defeat one great object of the Reform Bill of 1832, which was to shorten as much as possible the duration of elections, besides being contrary to the declared intention of the Ballot Bill.
§ "4. Because no provision is made by fine or otherwise for preventing committee rooms being held in public houses, or for closing them during any part of the day of election, both which precautions have been the subjects of many Petitions to both houses of Parliament.
§ "DENMAN."