for dinner, the younger Peers seldom have an opportunity of
joining in debate. They have long complained of this, and on Friday, through Lord Camperdown, proposed to meet at four, Lord Midleton, who seconded him, showing that under existing rules only the front benches had a chance. In 1878, for example, the Lords sat 103 times, but rose on 47 occasions before six, and on 62 more occasions before nine. There were only four long debates. Earl Granville, though pleading for 4.16, instead of four, supported the motion, as did the Lord Chancellor, and Lord Salisbury, though contemptuous, declined to oppose. The motion was, therefore, carried, and the Lords henceforward allow themselves three hours and three- quarters, four times a week, in which to earn their legal privi- lege of vetoing legislation. The change, we fear, will make no difference, the lassitade of the Lords being due not to want of time, but to want of interest in any discussion on which they cannot thwart the Liberal Government. When they can, they will sit in the House as late as they would in any other place of amusement.
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