24 NOVEMBER 1866, Page 2

The report that Government intended to create Sir Hugh Cairns

and Sir Pitzroy Kelly Peers, in order to increase the strength of the Lords as an appellate tribunal, has been semi- officially denied. We do hope when the next creation-becomes necessary Earl Derby will reconsider the question of life peerages. To create them by the prerogative might be dangerous, but the number might be limited under an Act of Parliament,- sat to that of the Episcopal Bbneh. We want lay bishops among the Peers, chiefs of professions, who are diginelined to ruin all their children for the sake of one. The Standard of living has increased till nobody can now make a fortune equal to the support of a peerage except in trade. A Baron with 5,0001. a year and three sons is a pauper.