The law regulating the "qualification," in respect of property, requisite to render a man eligible for a seat in Parliament, has been recently—viz., by stat. 1 and 2 Vict. c. 48,—altogether altered. Real or personal property to the extent of £600 a-year, now gives a sufficient qualification to a county member, and to the extent of 300, to a member for a borough.
[22] Note 22. Page 491.
The privilege of franking letters, so long enjoyed by the members of both Houses of Parliament, has been recently abolished. After the introduction of the penny postage system, the privilege in question was very greatly reduced in value and importance. By statute 3 and 4 Vict. c. 96, § 56, (passed on the 10th August 1840,) "All privileges whatsoever of sending letters by the post free of postage, or at a reduced rate of postage, shall, except in the cases in that act specified, wholly cease and determine."
[23] Note 23. Page 492.
These are the abbreviations of the technical words by which are known the two writs of execution against a debtor's person, and his goods. The former "Ca. Sa." represent the words addressed to the sheriff, "Capias A. B. [the defendant] ad satisfaciendum." The latter represent the words addressed to the sheriff, commanding him "ut fieri faciat"—that he should cause to be made, or realized, out of the defendant's goods, the amount due to the plaintiff.
[24] Note 24. Page 505.
The certificate of a bankrupt no longer depends upon the mere will and pleasure of his creditors, but upon the discretion of the commissioner, or judge in bankruptcy, who has become acquainted with the whole conduct of the bankrupt, and may grant, refuse, or postpone a certificate, and annex such conditions to a grant of it as he may think fitting. This very important and salutary alteration of the law was effected by statute 5 and 6 Vict. c. 122, § 39, passed on the 12th August 1842. This power has been exercised on several recent occasions, in a manner highly satisfactory to the public, and creditable to the acuteness, discretion, and firmness of the court.
[THE END.]
LIBRARY EDITION OF THE ROMANCES