The Cabinet Councils preliminary to the meeting of Parlia- ment
have been despatched with great speed, and it is said that at present there is no intention of holding more of them till the Ministers assemble in February. If this be so, it is pretty clear that there is complete unanimity as to the proposals for reforming the procedure of the House of Commons, and probably, too, as to the mode of meeting Mr. Bradlaugh's claim to take the oath and his seat. In any case, the Cabinet have certainly not found serious differences amongst them as to the immediate course of the Government ; and as we have elsewhere explained, there seems to be little doubt that they are agreed to ask the House of Commons for the closure of debate by an absolute majority. With this, no doubt, will be conjoined other provisions for short- ening the present almost interminable legislative procedure, and for meeting obstinate individual attempts to block the way; while the Government will certainly be prepared to appeal to the country, if the main features of their scheme are not accepted by the House of Commons. That, however, we trust, may not be necessary. The country will not deal amiably with any party that lends comfort and succour to Parliamentary Obstruction.
