15 NOVEMBER 1884, Page 2

After this Sir Richard Cross did his best to explain

away the tone of his Friday's speech, and to accommodate it to Mr. Lowther's views ; and, after a short conversation, the Franchise Bill was read a third time without a division and sent up to the House of Lords. Little hope is now entertained of any concession by the Conservative leaders. The Bill will be read a second time in the House of Lords next week. Then on going into Committee, some resolution postponing its action till after the passing of a Redistribution Bill will be proposed ; and if Lord Salisbury's advice is followed by the bulk of the Tory Party,—and here is the doubtful point,—the Government will be defeated, and war between the Commons and the Lords will be declared.