whole nation the rest were silent; or, if they
spoke, it was neither to commend nor to defend, but to condemn.

576. Summary.

The legislative reforms of George IV's reign are its chief features.
The repeal of the Test and Corporation acts and the grant to Catholics
of the right to reenter Parliament were tardy measures of justice.
Neither the King nor his ministers deserve any credit for them, but,
none the less, they accomplished great and permanent good.

WILLIAM IV--1830-1837

577. Accession and Character of William IV.

As George IV left no heir, his brother William, a man of sixty-five,
now came to the throne. He had passed most of his life on shipboard,
having been placed in the navy when a mere lad. He was somewhat rough
in his manner, and cared nothing for the ceremony and etiquette that
were so dear to both George III and George IV. His faults, however,
were on the surface. He was frank, hearty, and a friend to the
people, to whom he was familiarly known as the "Sailor King."

578. Need of Reform in Parliamentary Representation.

From the beginning of this reign it was evident that the great
question which must soon come up for settlement was that of
parliamentary representation. Large numbers of the people of England
had now no voice in the government. This unfortunate state of things
was chiefly the result of the great changes which had taken place in
the growth of the population of the Midlands (or the central portion
of England) and the North (S563).

Since the introduction of steam (S563) the rapid increase of
manufactures and commerce had built up Birmingham, Leeds, Sheffield,
Manchester, and other large towns in the iron, coal, pottery and
manufacturing districts. (See Industrial Map of England, p.10.) These
important towns could not send a member to Parliament; while, on the
other hand, many places in the south of England which did send members
had long ceased to be of any importance. Furthermore, the
representation was of the most haphazard description. In one section
no one could vote except substantial property holders, in another none
but town officers, while in a third every man who had a tenement big
enough to boil a pot in, and hence called a "Pot-walloper," possessed
the right.

To this singular state of things the nation had long been
indifferent. During the Middle Ages the inhavitants often had no
desire either to go to Parliament themselves or to s