The Trafalgar Square question is out of the way for
the present. A deputation from the "Metropolitan Radical Federation" waited on the Home Secretary on Wednesday, and expounded their view, which was, that the people had a right to hold meetings in the Square when they pleased. They objected to Hyde Park because it was further off, and because the grass was occasionally wet, a plea which country Radicals will quote, we fancy, as a new proof that " Lunnoners are soft." The Home Secretary made a lengthy and conciliatory reply, and explained the decision of the Government. The citizens, in the present state of the law, under an Act passed in 1844, have no right in the Square whatever, their entry there being "a privilege." It would be impossible to allow
the privilege to be used every day, as in 1887 it had become an "intolerable nuisance," the recurrence of which Mr. Asquith would not permit. The Government, therefore, pro- posed to restrict the use of the Square for meetings to Saturday afternoons, Sundays, and Bank Holidays. Even on those days notice must be given to the police, police rules for processions must be obeyed, and if disorder occurred, the privilege would be withdrawn. Mr. Asquith spoke with great clearness and firmness, and the compromise appeared to satisfy the deputa- tion, as it will most reasonable -people. There are, however, unreasonable people in London, and we should not wonder if Mr. Asquith had a disagreeable quarter of an hour with them. What ! suffer minions of tyranny to regulate the free marches of the people ? Mr. Asquith is no better than Mr. Balfour.
