Sir Michael Hicks-Beach, at York on Tuesday, was fairly satisfactory
about the Eastern Question. The Government has evidently no intention of deserting "that gallant young Prince Alexander" of Bulgaria; and, though hoping for peace, is aware that "the sympathies of this country are with the people" of South Bulgaria. The rest of the speech was, however, of the most partisan kind. He furiously attacked the Liberal expendi- ture, which was only made heavy by enterprises strongly urged by the Tories ; and denied that Mr. Childers's Budget was defeated by the landed interest. The squires only resisted it because an equalisation of death-duties should be preceded by a division of rates between realty and personalty. Sir Michael will make that division—a sop for the farmers—or, at all events, will resist new death-duties until it is made. A reform in the whole system of rating is imperative, and will probably end in the taxation of some kinds of property now exempt ; but to make a mere act of justice dependant on that reform is absurd. Sir Michael, moreover, intimated, in unmistakable terms, that his party would not support any reform of procedure intended to
prevent obstruction. The Speaker had power enough now. There must be full discussion, all the more because the Radicals, who are gaining power, wish to prevent in; and as to the Irish, they mnst be dealt with when the occasion has arisen. In short, procedure is to remain as it is, unless the country insists that Parliament shall again be made effective.
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