16 FEBRUARY 1889, Page 3

The London County Council held a second meeting on Tuesday,

to elect its permanent Chairmen. Somewhat to the surprise of the meeting, Lord Rosebery's nomination was opposed, principally by the two arguments that he was an orator, and that he would only be ornamental; but on a. division, he was elected by 104 to 17, a satisfying majority. Sir John Lubbock, as Vice-Chairman, was unopposed, Mr. Burns, who resisted him, doing it on the ground that he was too good for the place,—not an infrequent feeling, we fancy, with all Socialists about all officials. There was, however, a sharp contest for the Deputy Chair, which will be a paid office, a strong party running Mr. Fardell, the Councillor from Paddington who exposed the Metropolitan Board, against Mr. Firth, the well-known advocate of municipal reform. Mr. Firth, however, was elected by 68 votes to 43. Mr. Firth has earned the place, and we have nothing to say, except that the extension of the Council's powers will depend mainly upon his judgment, and upon a certain severity in regard to expense, which he failed to display in the School Board. Lord Rosebery, in returning thanks, spoke strongly on the imme- diate necessity of Standing Orders ; and a committee was appointed to draw them up. They are urgently needed if the tap-room tendency is to be kept out of the Council. One excellent Councillor has already been called a " traitor," and fists may be shaken at the next meeting.