The King of the Belgians has arrived at the decision
we ex- pected. He has, as a Constitutional Sovereign, signed the Education Act, which was passed by large majorities in both Houses directly after an election. That Act, in itself generally unobjectionable, contains one clause possibly dishonest and in- tended to give clerics a preference as tutors ; but if a King is to interpret every Act he signs, he had better be entrusted with the law-making power. The cities are extremely en- raged, and in Brussels the King has been hooted by large crowds, amidst cries of " Vive la Republique !" More troops have, therefore, been called out, and certain preparations made to secure order ; but it is not probable that there will be actual collision. The Belgian cities do not desire to provoke foreign interference ; and for Liberals to descend into the streets because a majority of the voters register their ideas in Acts, is logically too absurd. Even the "authoritative Republicans," who are sometimes the most bigoted party in Europe, do not claim, like English Tories, that a minority should rule.
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