24 JULY 1869, Page 2

Sir J. Coleridge's Bill abolishing University Tests, though passed in

the Commons by majorities sometimes exceeding 120, has been summarily, almost contemptuously, rejected by the Lords. It was introduced on Monday by Lord Russell, but Lord Carnarvon said that the Bill came up too late ; that its proposals were before the Lords for the first time—a statement only technically correct, as the principle has been debated over and over again ;—that he had an alternative plan to propose ; and that, in short, he did not approve the Bill, and moved the previous question. The Bill was feebly defended, and on a division the previous question was carried by 91 to 54, scarcely half even of the Liberal Peers taking the trouble to vote, and nobody speaking except Lords Morley and Camperdown. The entire proceeding was contemptuous of the Commons to the last degree, and if next session they do not find a remedy, they will deserve what they will undoubtedly obtain, namely, the contempt of the constituencies, which look to them for laws, not for mere speculative projects of law. What is the use of their proceedings when ninety-one landed proprietors can say that their measures are not worth discussion, and so dismiss them?