25 DECEMBER 1909, Page 1

NEWS OF THE WEEK.

THE political campaign has continued during the week with no appreciable slackening in the rush of speeches. Already it is possible to judge in some respects the tendency of public opinion, although it remains true that in other senses we are engaged in the most incalculable struggle any of us can remember. Moderate opinion, which, to our thinking, will determine the result of the elections, is showing itself to be averse from a single-Chamber system, as proposed, in effect, by Mr. Asquith ; but it is, on the other hand, making a positive demand for the reform of the House of Lords. We have long advocated the reform of the House of Lords, and this set of opinion in the constituencies is just what might have been expected. It is creditable to the practical nature and common-sense of the people in this crisis.