16 MAY 1868, Page 1

Her Majesty's reply did not, we fear, greatly console the

Irish Bishops. It is kindly, and avoids all reference to recent pro- ceedings ; but it does not imply in any degree, as the Bishops probably hoped, that the Queen is prepared to stake her throne in defence of an institution which Parliament founded, and can therefore sweep away. " In compliance with the prayer of an Address from the House of Lords, I have issued a Commission to- inquire into the state of the Church in Ireland ; and I will not doubt that my Parliament, when fully informed, through the labours of this Commission, will adopt such measures as shall be at once just and conducive to the maintenance of true religion among my people."