The House of Commons reassembled on Thursday, but not a
question was addressed that evening to the Government on British policy in the East. The leaders of Opposition, it is said, are most adverse to any questioning calculated to embarrass the Govern- ment in so serious a conjuncture. If this means that they know what is doing, and have confidence in the Cabinet, this reticence is wise ; but if they do not know, or have not confidence, it is very like an abnegation of the proper func- tion of an Opposition in the State. There is serious danger that we may drift into a defence of Turkey against the will of the nation, and yet the Government is not compelled to explain the policy it deems best for the interests of
the country. So utterly silent do both sides remain, that the body of the people are unaware that serious matters are toward, and are trusting to Lord Derby's prudence to keep them out of a mess. We do not doubt his prudence, but we do doubt whether he is master in the Cabinet, whether he thoroughly knows the public feeling, and whether he is not capable of being led into acts which Turks would accept as virtual pledges of support. The question asked by Lord Ilartington on Friday meant very little ; and the answer, if it signified anything, signi- fied that England was bullying Servia into moderation, which is most unsatisfactory.
