The Reform Bill was read a third time on Monday,
and passed the Commons at two o'clock in the morning, amidst the silence of the Conservatives, the cheers of the Liberals, and some enthusiasm among the strangers present. It was read a first time in the Lords
on Tuesday, and the second reading fixed for Monday next. Earl Grey has given notice of a resolution to be proposed before the second reading, but the Bill is expected to enter Committee on Monday week, and will probably pass within the next ten days. It is understood that attempts will be made to insert a clause favouring the cumulative vote, and to restore voting papers, but they will be defeated. The only great effort made will be to improve the Redistribution Bill, and if Lord Derby understands the real position of his Order, and feels the necessity for closing agitation, he will not use his majority to prevent an improvement which will make the Constitution safe for half a century. There is an idea current that the Bill may be lost yet, but Lord Derby has half the English Peers, all the Scotch and Irish Peers, and the certainty that the Lords will not willingly provole a dissolution.
