202 LIFE OF SIR JOHN LUBBOCK 



CH. 



if the two parties were spread evenly, the Unionists 

 would carry every seat, and the minority, though so 

 large, would not have a single representative. On the 

 other hand, if the majority were somewhat concentrated, 

 as in the following example : 



Constituency Constituency Constituency rn^x„, 



A. B. C. lotaL 



Unionists . 3000 1625 1625 6250 



Radicals . . 1000 2375 2375 5750 



4000 4000 4000 



the Radicals, though a minority, would secure two 

 seats out of three. 



The two great requisites in representation are that 

 while the majority should rule, the minority should be 

 heard, and it is evident from the foregoing example, 

 that our present system fails to secure either requisite. 



Sir John's view was very fully shared by Mr. 

 (now Lord) Courtney, who urged it on the 

 Government, and as the Government insisted on 

 retaining the present system, Mr. Courtney sent 

 in his resignation. 



It was decided to form a society to bring the 

 matter before the country, and at the first general 

 meeting, on March 5, Sir John was elected 

 President. 



A test ballot was held in the House of Commons 

 to show the practical working of the methods, 

 and Sir John wrote articles in the Pall Mall and 

 in the Daily News to explain it. 



In the autumn they held a series of meetings, 

 at which test elections were held. These elections 

 added very much to the interest, and showed, at 

 all events, that the system was quick, simple 

 and easy in practical working. 



An address was sent out as follows and largely 

 distributed : 



