The subject of Incorporation then remained dormant till about the year 1852, when, the inhabitants thinking that Brighton was of sufficient importance to be placed on an equality with other towns of like population and influence, agitated for a Charter. The opposition of the old governing body was very great, and the “tug of war” continued, each party contending and hoping most zealously. At length the contenders for the Incorporation prevailed, and the Charter under the Municipal Act, and bearing date, April 1st, 1854, was granted. In 1860, in order to remedy many known defects, the Local Government Act of 1858, was adopted, after a severe contest. The Corporation consists of the Mayor, the Recorder, 12 Aldermen, and 36 Councillors, six for each Ward, the Wards being the Park Ward, Pavilion Ward, Pier Ward, St. Peter’s Ward, St. Nicholas’ Ward, and West Ward. The Magistracy consists of the Mayor, the last ex-Mayor, the Recorder, the Stipendiary Magistrate,—at present A. Bigge, Esq.,—and other Magistrates whose appointments are sanctioned by the Secretary of State for the Home Department. The present Magistrates are, His Worship the Mayor, J. Allfree, Esq., J. C. Burrows, Esq., W. Catt, Esq., J. Fawcett, Esq., W. Furner, Esq., W. M. Hollis, Esq., M. D. Scott, Esq., B. Stent, Esq., W. F. Smithe, Esq., T. Warner, Esq., and W. Alger, Esq., who also acts in that capacity by virtue of being the last ex-Mayor. Ewen Evershed, Esq., is the Clerk of the Peace. The Mayors hitherto, have been:— 1854.—Lieut.-Col. Fawcett. 1855.—W. Hallett, Esq. 1856.—I. G. Bass, Esq. 1857.—J. C. Barrows, Esq. 1858.—J. C. Burrows, Esq. 1859.—W. Alger, Esq. 1860.—W. Alger, Esq. 1861.—H. Smithers, Esq. The great increase of the population during the course of the last hundred years, is the surest criterion, whereby to judge of the rapid progress of the town:— In 1761 the population of Brighton was 2,000 1786 3,600 1794 5,669 1801 {249} 7,339 1811 12,012 1821 24,429 1831 40,634 1841 46,661 1851 65,573 1861 77,693