SOCIETIES, ASSOCIATIONS, &c. A selected list of Central Organisations and Societies having for their objects the promotion of particular objects in relation to public policy, the enforcement or alteration of certain laws, or the advancement of various political, religious, or educational views. Aborigines Protection Society, Broadway Chambers, Westminster, S.W. Africa, South-Imperial South African Association, 66, Victoria Street, S.W. National Agricultural Union, 30, Fleet Street, E.C. Imperial Federation (Defence Com.), 11A, Princes Street, S.W. Knowledge, Society for the Promotion of, Northumberland Avenue, W.C. China Association, 159, Cannon Street, E.C. League, Dacre House, Victoria Street, S. W. Church Association, 14, Buckingham Street, Strand, W.C. 99 Committee for Church Defence and Instruction, Church House, S.W. Free and Open Church Association, Church House, Dean's Yard, S.W. Tithe Rent Charge Owners' Union, 56, Lincoln's Inn Fields, W.C. Union (The English), 35, Wellington Street, W.C. Welsh Committee for Defence of Church in Wales, 26, Courtfield Gardens, S.W. Cobden Club, 6, Raymond Buildings, Gray's Inn, W.C. Commerce, Association of Chambers of, 1, Great College Street, S.W. Commons and Footpaths Preservation Society, 1, Great College Street, S.W. Conservative Central Office, St. Stephen's Chambers, Bridge Street, Westminster, S.W. دو Clubs, Association of, St. Stephen's Chambers, Bridge Street, S. W. -National Conservative League, St. Heliers', Broughton Road, Thornton Currency-Bi-metallic League, 10, Walbrook, E.C. -Gold Standard Defence Association, 11, Clement's Lane, E.C. Dogs-National Canine Defence League, 151, Strand, W.C. Early Closing Association, 21, New Bridge Street, E.C. -Voluntary Early Closing Association, 64, Cheapside, E.C. [Heath, Surrey. Education-National Society for Promoting the Education of the Poor in the Principles of the Established Church, Broad Sanctuary, Westminster, S.W, British and Foreign Schools Society, 114, Temple Chambers, E.Ć. Religious Education Union, 9, Arundel Street, W.C. National Education Association, Surrey House, Victoria Embankment, W.C. Employers' Parliamentary Council, 7, Victoria Street, S. W. Fabian Society, 3, Clement's Inn, W.C. Field Sports Protection Association, 4, Carlton Street, Regent Street, S.W. Gambling-National Anti-Gambling League, 13, Victoria Street, S. W. Housing-Mansion House Council on the Dwellings of the Poor, 31, Imperial Buildings, -National Housing Reform Council, 432, Strand, W.C. [Ludgate Circus, E.C. Howard Association, 5, Bishopsgate Street Without, E.C. Humanitarian League, 53, Chancery Lane, W.C. Indian National Congress, British Committee, 9, Bridge Street, S.W. Inhabited House Duty Repeal Association, 49, Queen Victoria St., E. C. Ireland-Irish Landlords' Convention, 4, Kildare Street, Dublin. Irish Unionist Alliance, Grafton Street, Dublin, and 9, Bridge Street, S.W Criminal Appeal Court, Legislation League, 3, Pump Court, E.C. League against Aggression, &c., 8, Sergeant's Inn, E.C. Liberal Eighty Club, 3, Hare Court, Temple, E.C. -Women's National Liberal Association, 9, Bridge Street, S.W. Liberal Federation, 23, Queen Anne's Gate, S.W. Liberal Unionist Association, 6, Great George Street, S.W. -Women's Liberal Unionist Association, 9, Bridge Street, S.W. Liberation Society, 2, Serjeant's Inn, E.C. National Trade Defence Association, 5, Victoria Street, S.W. Native Races and Liquor Traffic Committee, 9, Bridge Street, S.W. Local Government-Boarding-Out Association, 4, The Sanctuary, S.W. County Councils Association, 9, Bridge Street, S.W. London Municipal Society, 16, Great George Street, S.W. Reform Union, 4, Trafalgar Buildings, Northumberland Avenue, W.C. National Society. (See under Education.) Trust for Places of Historic Interest, &c., 1, Great College St., S.W. Navy League, 13, Victoria Street, S.W. Opium Trade, Society for the Suppression of the, Finsbury House, Blomfield Street, E.C. Peace Society, The, 47, New Broad Street, E.C. Personal Rights Association, 32, Charing Cross, S.W. Physical Recreation, National Society, Exeter Hall, W.C. Primrose League, 64, Victoria Street, S.W. Property Protection Society, 45, Parliament Street, S.W. Church Union, National, 324, Regent Street, S.W. -Imperial Protestant Federation, 3, Palmer Street, S.W. -National Protestant Federation, 50, Imperial Buildings, E.C. -Women's Protestant Society, Exeter Hill, W.C. Railway Passengers' Protection Association, 3, Lambeth Hill, E.C. Slavery-Anti-Slavery Society, 55, New Broad Street, E.C. Social Democratic Federation, 3, Bolt Court, E.C. and Political Education League, 3, Essex Court, E.C Street Nuisances, Society for the Suppression of, 65, Chancery Lane, W.C. Sunday League, The National, 34, Red Lion Square, W.C. -Lord's Day Observance Society, 20, Bedford Row, W.C. Society, 7, Pall Mall, S.W. -Working Men's Lord's Day Rest Association, 12, John Street, Bedford Row, W.C. Temperance League, The National, 34, Paternoster Row, E.C. Society, The Church of England, The Sanctuary, Westminster, S.W. -National United Temperance Council, 16, Farringdon Street, E.C. National Conservative Temperance Union, 14, St. Ann's Square, Manchester. Travelling Tax Abolition Committee, 64a, Great Queen Street, S.W. Vaccination-Imperial Vaccination League, 53, Berners Street, W. -National Anti-Vaccination League, 50, Parliament Street, S.W. Vice-British Committee for Abolition of State Regulation of, 17, Tothill Street, S.W. ,, -National Vigilance Association, 319, High Holborn, W.C. -London Council for the Promotion of Public Morality, 37, Norfolk Street, W.C. -Social Purity Alliance, 17, Tothill Street, S.W. Vivisection: London Anti-Vivisection Society, 32, Sackville Street, W. Women's Christian Association, 25, George Street, Hanover Square, W. GLOSSARY OF CURRENT POLITICAL TERMS. Address, The, in answer to the King's Speech, was formerly a series of resolutions passed by both Houses echoing the language of the Speech, but in recent years its form has been much modified, and it is usually now a simple expression of thanks to His Majesty. An amendment to the Address is one of the forms of expressing approval or disapprobation of the policy of the Government, and if carried is incorporated in the Address and presented to the King. The passage of hostile amendment usually involves the resignation of the Government. Addresses to the Crown proceeding from individuals are presented through the Secretary of State for the Home Department. Adjournment.-See Prorogation. Ad valorem Duty.-(Lat. valor, value). A duty charged at a certain rate per cent. on the value of goods, leases, &c. The system, as applicable to customs duties, &c., has been condemned by Mr. Gladstone and other Chancellors of the Exchequer. Advowson.-The right of presentation to, or the patronage of a benefice. "An advowson is of the nature of a temporal property, and a spiritual trust."-(Wharton.) Affirmation (Parliamentary) is made by Quakers and others who have religious objections to taking the oath. (Generally) a solemn declaration without an oath. Alabama Claims.-The damages (£3,196,875) awarded to the United States in 1873 as compensation for the injuries inflicted upon American commerce by the Confederate cruiser Alabama, which had been fitted out in England. Alien.-A subject of a foreign state who has not obtained a certificate of naturalisation. All the Talents."-A nickname applied to the Grenville Administration, 1806-7. Ambassador.-In ordinary parlance often signifies any diplomatic envoy. Strictly, however, it is only an envoy of the highest class who is called an Ambassador. See Plenipotentiary, Chargé d'Affaires. Appropriation Act.-Carries into effect the resolutions of the Committee of Ways and Means, authorising the application of a sum out of the Consolidated Fund and appropriating to each separate service the several funds voted by the Committee of Supply. It is among the last of the Bills introduced during a Session of Parliament. Articles of War.-The regulations for the conduct of the military forces (based upon an Act of William III. passed in 1689) now incorporated in the Army (Annual) Act. Ashbourne Acts.-The Land Purchase (Ireland) Acts, 1885 and 1888, under which a sum of £10,000,000 was set apart to be advanced to tenants for the purchase of their holdings, being repayable in 49 years. Ashburton Treaty, concluded in 1842 between Lord Ashburton, representing England, and President Tyler of the United States, defining the boundaries of the United States and Canada, &c. Assessed Taxes.-The term now applies only to the land tax and house duty. Balance of Power.-A principle much discussed in the early years of the present century, and invoked to secure the independence and integrity of states, and control the ambition of sovereigns. Balance of Trade.-The difference between the aggregate amounts of a nation's imports and exports; or, the difference between the amounts of a nation's imports from, and exports to, some other specified nation. Ballot.-(Fr. Ballotte, a little ball). A method of secret voting, introduced into Parliamentary elections in England in 1872. Baronet. The first rank among gentry, and hereditary. Instituted by James I. in 1611. Bath. The Order of the Bath, consisting of three degrees-Knights Grand Cross, Knights Commanders, and Companions. Instituted in 1399, and revived in 1725. Betterment. The enhanced value which a property is assumed to gain by a public improve. ment in its neighbourhood. Bills of Mortality.-The returns of births and deaths in London. Superseded since 1837 by the Registrar-General's returns. Bi-Metallism.-The system in which two standard metals are used indiscriminately as legal tender up to any sum, the respective value of each being fixed by law. Black Rod.-The Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod is an officer attending the House of Lords, and is their messenger to summon the Commons. Blockade. The closing of enemy's ports to commerce. It is a principle of international law that a blockade to be binding on neutrals must be effective. "Blocking" a Bill in Parliament consists in putting down a notice of opposition, which has the effect of preventing its consideration after midnight. Blue Books.-The reports and papers issued by Parliamentary authority, many of which are bound in blue. Bona-fide Traveller.-See Traveller. Bond. When goods are chargeable with customs or excise duties, and are placed in an authorised warehouse, not to be taken out until the duties are paid, they are said to be in bond. Borough.-A town which has a Charter of Incorporation, or which returns a member or members to Parliament. Bounty.-Money paid by a Government to producers, exporters, or importers, to encourage a particular branch of trade. In England it usually took the form of an export bounty, e.g., a bounty or premium of 3s. on every quarter of wheat exported. In France and elsewhere bounties have been given on the manufacture of sugar and the construction of ships. Boycotting. A form of social ostracism which took its name from the persecution of the late Captain Boycott by the Irish Land League in Mayo in 1880, and has been more or less resorted to in Ireland ever since. It was condemned by the Pope, April 20th, 1888, as contrary to justice and charity. Mr. Gladstone described it as "exclusive dealing.' Budget. The general statement of the finance of the country, annually made by the Chancellor of the Exchequer, usually as soon after April 1st as possible. It is derived from the French "Bougette," a small bag. Brehon Laws.-The ancient laws of Ireland, of which a translation is in progress under Government authority. Bright Clauses, The.-The sections of the Irish Land Act of 1870 introduced at the instance of Mr. Bright with the object of facilitating the purchase of their holdings by the tenants. In practice, these sections had little or no success. (See Ashbourne Acts.) Broad Arrow. The mark used to distinguish Government property. Introduced in 1689. Broadbottom Administration.-The coalition Government under Pelham, 1744. Bulwer-Clayton Treaty between England and the United States, 1850, declaring that neither should have exclusive control over the proposed ship canal across Central America. Bureaucracy.-A state of society in which social status depends upon official position, as in Russia. Burgesses.-A term originally applied to the representatives of boroughs in Parliament; now, by the Municipal Corporations Act, 1882, used to distinguish those entitled to the municipal franchise. Cabal. The term applied to the Cabinet of Charles II. in 1670, being formed from the initial letters of their names: Clifford, Arlington, Buckingham, Ashley, and Lauderdale. Cabinet. See article on "The Constitution." Call of the House. Has fallen into desuetude, and has not been ordered since 1836, though a motion has been made for it. The object was to secure a full attendance when any important measure was under discussion, and the names of all members were called over. Capitulations.-The instrument by which certain rights are granted to foreign subjects in Turkey and Egypt. Carpet Bagger.-A term applied to a parliamentary candidate who has had no previous connection with the place he seeks to represent. In Caucus (American).-A combination of electors or voters for the purpose of introducing certain persons into places of trust and power. England it has taken the form of a large committee of electors selected from the whole constituency for the purpose of choosing candidates for the representation of the constituency in the House of Commons and for all municipal honours. It is obviously a powerful means of stifling the voice of a dissentient minority of a party, and of securing the adoption of a particular ticket or programme. Cave. The term is usually applied to a combination of a small number of members to defeat a measure introduced by the party to which they belong. The appellation took its origin from the Scriptural parallel drawn by Mr. Bright, March 13, 1866, when he compared the Liberal opponents of Lord Russell's Reform Bill to the men who gathered themselves to David in the cave of Adullam. (1 Sam. xxii.) Chairman (of Ways and Means).-In every Session, on the first occasion of the House going into Committee, the leader of the House moves "that Mr. — take the chair," and thereupon he becomes the Chairman of Ways and Means and of the Committee of the whole House during that Session. He is a salaried officer, and has much control over unopposed Private Bill legislation. Chairman (of Committees in the Lords) is a permanent paid official who takes the chair when the House is in committee, and has also a general superintendence over Private Bill legislation. Chandos Clause.-Section 20 of the Reform Act of 1832, by which occupiers at £50 rental were admitted as voters. Chargé d'Affaires.-Is a diplomatic envoy of the third class, ranking below a plenipotentiary; he is only accredited to the foreign Government, and has no right of access to the foreign Sovereign. Charter Party.--A covenant between merchants and masters of ships relating to the ship and cargo. Chartists. A body of agitators who carried on an active propaganda between 1838 and 1848. Chauvinism.-The term (derived from Chauvin, a character in one of Scribe's comedies) is used to describe an exaggerated form of patriotism. Chiltern Hundreds.-The acceptance of this office is a form by which a member of Parliament can resign his seat. It is only by obtaining office that he can do so, and the Crown is therefore always ready to confer on any member, except in cases of misconduct, the Stewardship of the Chil tern Hundreds, of East Hendred and Northstead, of Poynings, or the Escheatorship of Munster, which he holds till another member is appointed to it. A writ for a vacancy caused by acceptance of the Chiltern Hundreds can only be issued while Parliament is sitting. Church Rate. The rate imposed by parishioners in vestry meeting for the purpose of maintaining the fabric and services of the parish church. It was abolished as a compulsory impost in 1868. Civil List.-See " The Civil List and Royal Grants," ante. Clôture. See House of Commons-Procedure, ante. Combination Laws.-These statutes forbade the association of workmen in Trade Unions. Repealed in 1824. Committees of the House of Commons.(1) "Of the whole House" is formed when the Speaker leaves the Chair and the Chairman of Ways and Means takes it for the consideration of the details of Bills in the Committee stage, and for other purposes. (2) "Of Supply" is formed in the same way for any proceedings relating to the public income or expenditure. Estimates are submitted to it, and resolutions moved granting to the Crown the sums requisite. (3)" Of Ways and Means" is formed in the same way for any proceedings relating to the funds by which the expenditure of the country is sustained. All loans, duties, and imposts are submitted to it. All the propositions of Government are reduced to resolutions divided on by this Committee. Those agreed to are reported to the House, and incorporated in Bills. (4) "Of Selection" is a Committee nominated by the House of experienced members, whose duties are to nominate the members of Private Bill Committees, and in any other case where the House may so order. The present chairman is Mr. T. F. Halsey. (5)" Private Bill."-These Committees are nomina. ted by the Committee of Selection, and usually consist of five members, sometimes including an official referee, to consider all private Bills affecting railways or other similar questions. They sit in one of the upstairs rooms, usually from twelve to four, and are empowered to hear counsel and witnesses. (6) "Select."-These are appointed by the House, (7) either at the suggestion of the Government or of some private member, to consider any Public Bill or subject of interest which may be referred to them. Their number is uncertain, varying from five to even twentyeight members. They can only take evidence when specially authorised to do so. They select their own chairman. Hybrid."-These are appointed partly by the House itself and partly by the Committee of Selection, for the purpose of considering any private Bills, of special interest to the public at large, which may be referred to them. (8) "Standing or Grand."-First adopted in modern times in 1883 by the appointment of Standing Committees on Trade and on Law. The experiment was repeated in 1884, when it was, however, not put into operation, but since 1888 the two Committees have again been constituted. They assimilate their proceedings to those of Committees of the whole House, as far as possible. They can deal only with Bills specially referred to them. In 1894 a Standing Committee for Scotch Bills was appointed. Communism.-The system of things in common, and the doctrines relating to it. Compound Householder. The term applied to those occupiers whose landlords "compound" with the parish authorities to pay the rates on their houses. Comtists.-The disciples of Auguste Comte, the founder of the Positivist creed, d. 1857. Concordat.-A formal agreement between the See of Rome and any foreign Government, by which the administration of the Roman Catholic Church within the territory of that Government is regulated-e.g., the Concordat of 1801 with France, and of 1855 with Austria. Conference (1) Parliamentary.-A negotiation between the Lords and Commons in the event of a difference. The Lords name the time and place, and reasons for the course proposed But these are given, in writing, on both sides. reasons are now generally given by message from one House to the other without a conference; (2) Diplomatic-A meeting of ambassadors or special envoys for the purpose of settling some international question. Congé d'Élire. The licence given by the Sovereign, as head of the Church, to a dean and chapter empowering them to elect a Bishop, when a See becomes vacant. Congress.-A meeting of Sovereigns or Ministers for Foreign Affairs for the purpose of settling some international question. Conscience Clause. The provision of the Education Act, 1870 (called the Cowper-Temple clause), which prohibited the teaching in public elementary schools of the doctrines of any particular denomination against the wishes of the parents of children. Conservatives.- The name by which the political party whose fundamental principle is the preservation of our national institutions has been known since 1830. (Quarterly Rev., xliii., p. 276.) Consolidated Fund is the general revenue of the country to which the gross produce of all taxes and revenues, and also certain miscellaneous receipts, are paid. The expenditure for certain of the Public Services, such as the National Debt, the Civil List, and the salaries of the judges is charged once and for all on the Consolidated Fund. Consols (short for "Consolidateds"). The name owes its origin to an Act of 1752, which consolidated various Government stocks into 3 per cent. annuities, at which rate they remained until 1888, when the Consols at 2 per cent. (after April 5th, 1903, 24 per cent.) were created by the National Debt Conversion Act, introduced by Mr. Goschen. Constitutional Party.-The alternative name assumed by Conservatives and seceded Whigs in the general election of 1868. Consul. A diplomatic agent abroad whose duty it is to aid and advise British subjects requiring assistance, to report on the trade of the district in which he resides, and generally to discharge the duties of a commercial agent for the home country. Contraband.-A term used to denote articles which are forbidden to be imported into or exported from any country by the law of that country. Contraband of War.-A term used to denote articles, such as munitions of war, which may not be supplied by a neutral to a belligerent Power. Convention.-A meeting of representatives from two or more States for the purpose of settling some international question not sufficiently important for a Congress or a Conference. Convocation. The general assembly of the clergy of the Church of England convened by the Sovereign. Convocation is divided into two Houses for each Province (Northern and Southern), the Upper being composed of Bishops, and the Lower of Deans, Prebendaries, Archdeacons, and members elected by the beneficed clergy. Countervailing Duties.-Duties imposed on imported articles in order to equalise the charges imposed on them with the charges imposed on articles manufactured at home or imported from abroad. Count-Out.-If any member of the House of Commons calls the attention of the Chair to the fact that the quorum of forty members is not present, the debate is stopped, and after two minutes, the House is counted, when, if forty members are not in sight, the House stands adjourned. No count-out can take place on Wednes days until after four o'clock. County Councils.-The authorities established by the Local Government Act, 1888, to take over the administrative portion of County business formerly in the hands of magistrates in quarter sessions. In London the County Council superseded the Metropolitan Board of Works. Courts Martial are military tribunals, held under authority of the Army Act, for the trial of soldiers charged with offences. Crown Lands.-The hereditary property of the Sovereign, surrendered by him to Parliament in exchange for a fixed Civil List. Cumulative Vote.-The provision by which electors are allowed to give all their votes to one candidate, or distribute them at will. Applied to School Board Elections, 1870-1902. Customs. The duties levied upon goods of merchandise at the place of importation. Death Duties.-The Estate, Legacy and Succession Duties. Democrats. The advocates for the government of the people by the people; a name adopted by the French Republicans, 1790, and by the proslavery party in the United States. Direct Taxation.-A tax is said to be direct when it is assessed upon the persons on whom the burden of it falls. Thus the income-tax is direct, but a tax on tobacco, which, though paid in the first instance by the dealer, really falls on the consumer, is indirect. Dispensing Power.-The power claimed by several English Sovereigns to set aside the laws. It was finally rejected by the Bill of Rights, 1689. Domesday Book.-The book containing the General Survey of England, completed in 1086 The Modern Domesday Book, or Return of Owners of Land, was issued in 1875 (Parl. Paper, 1097). Drawback or Rebate.-Duty remitted or paid back by the Government on the exportation or re-exportation of the commodities on which the duty was charged. Education Code. The annual regulations issued by the Education Committee of the Privy Council, in accordance with which the grants to elementary schools are determined. Eight Hours Movement.-A proposal to enact a legal working day of eight hours; first adopted in England by the Trades Union Congress at Liverpool, September, 1890. Estimates.-The annual statements, prepared by the heads of the Government Departments, of the sums to be voted by the House of Commons for the requirements of the year. Exchange. The par of exchange is the fixed value of the standard of value of one country in the standard of value of another country-e.g., £1 4dols. 86c. 64m., American. The exchange is said to be against a country, say England, when a bill on London can be purchased in New York below its par value. Exchequer.-The national Treasury. |