Very considerable alterations are making in the House of Lords,
in order to render it more convenient for carrying on the public business. It is well known that the Peers have always entertained objections to the side-galleries ; in fact, so strong have those objections been, that even on the most important nights during the past session their Lordships preferred being crowded together in the body of the house rather than go into either gallery. In consequence of this strong and oft-expressed aversion, every effort has been used by Sir R. Smirke to afford greater accommodation in the body of the house. In order to accomplish this desirable object, recesses have been cut in the side-walls (which are very thick) to a sufficient depth to allow of additional seats for about twenty Peers to be erected. The side-galleries, which used to extend the whole length of the house, have been much diminished ; one half of each (at those ends nearest the Strangers' Gallery) has been removed, and the parts which remain will in future be approached by a winding staircase at the back of the Throne. Several other alterations about the Throne and below the bar are in progress. The scats are also undergoing some alterations ; but all the works are carried on with such privacy that we were unable to collect particulars. In fact, we understand, such is the secrecy observed, that when the men go to their work in the morning, the keys are handed over by the House- keeper ( Miss Wright) to the Clerk of the Works, in whose possession they remain until the labours of the day are over; and no one is ad- mitted except those employed.
There are no alterations of any importance in the interior of the House of Commons ; but other accommodations on an extensive scale are preparing. A large building at the south end (abutting on Abing- don Street), capable of holding 500 Members, has been erected, and is nearly completed. This room is to be used by the Library Committee in the day, and in the evening for divisions. It will be entered from the House by a door behind the Speaker's chair, and under the Re. porters' Gallery, and will afford much greater facility than at present in collecting the votes. This room is built of wood, but the under part is of very substantial brick-work, and is divided into several com- partments, which we were informed are to be fitted up and used as the prison of the house; and that all persons who in future are committed by the Speaker for a breach of privileges will not, it is supposed, as heretofore, be sent to Newgate, but be confined in these rooms under the immediate custody of the Sergeant-at-Arms. Two other addi- tional rooms are also erecting; one of which will be for the private use of the Speaker, and the other for Members to hold consultations. It is expected the whole of the alterations will be completed by Christ- mas.—. Times.
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