On the discussion on the subject of Mr. Bmdlaugh's position
raised in the House of Commons by Mr. Labouchere, the Speaker decided that the order not to admit him into the House, except under an engagement notto disturb the House by claiming to take the oath, was one which would expire with the Session, and that Mr. Bradlaugh would have the right to come to the table and raise the question again next Session. Thereupon Mr. Gladstone said that it would be the duty of the Government to consider what advice it ought to give to the House, with the view of getting rid of the anomaly of the present posi- tion. If the Government would but introduce a Bill for the abolition of all preliminary oaths in Parliament, we believe there would be a very strong feeling for it in the country, and even, probably, in the House of Lords itself, —though, of course, that assembly would find it a very grave objection that by abolishing a very unmeaning ceremony, they would remove the difficulty in the way of doing justice to such a man as Mr. Bradlaugh.
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