Mr. Adams to Mr. Seward.
Sir: I have the honor to transmit a copy of the London Times of yesterday and of this morning, containing a report of the debate in the House of Commons on the question of the reform in the representation.
It is understood here that the programme originally proposed by Mr. D’Israeli embraced a general household suffrage, excepting only those cases in which parties were receiving more or less of public relief, and a plurality of voting by virtue of what have been denominated certain fancy franchises, as described in the chancellor’s speech; but this scheme was finally cancelled at the party consultation held at Lord Derby’s on Tuesday morning, and the one substituted which he actually announced on that night. The effect of this proceeding has been to destroy all the moral influence of the party. It lies now at the mercy of the opposition, and if it consents to continue in power it can serve only as an instrument to carry out their wishes. The ministerial bill will be brought forward as a matter of form on Tuesday of next week. The ultimate shape which it may take it is now difficult to perceive, but it must obviously undergo considerable modification before it can stand a chance of acceptance. The difficulty [Page 65] of arriving at a practical result remains yet as great as ever, for a settlement of the details always has been the rock upon which each party splits. A dissolution may be necessary before sufficient unanimity can be obtained to attain the end.
I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.