There has been little change in the situation through the
week. The debate on Home-rule proceeds without exciting much interest, and it would appear, from a reply of Mr. Gladstone's on Tuesday, that it is to last till next Friday, or even Tuesday week, a protraction hardly to be explained. The result, however, will not be affected by the speaking, and as neither the Moderates nor the Liberal Unionists have given way, and the only effect of negotiations is to accentuate differences more sharply, that result can hardly be otherwise than disastrous to the Government. In that event, it is understood, and, indeed, almost stated by Mr. Bryce, the Government will dissolve ; and if so, the elections will probably be taken as promptly as in 1880. Calculations are offered on every aide as to the result of the appeal to the people ; but, in truth, nobody knows, or can know, for it depends upon the action of the silent classes.
