Some gossiping discussion is going forward as to the appointment
of the Chairman of Committees in the House of Commons. The Derby Government is said to have in its eye Mr. Matthew Talbot Baines ; but with what view that concession is to be made, nobody seems to know. Is it an offer to purchase the privilege of electing a Tory Speaker ; or is it only an avoidance of the contest on the second as well as the first office ? That there is some trick in it seems to be presumed, from the fact that the advance is to be made from so suspicious a quarter. On the other hand, hints have been thrown out that Mr. Baines might himself be Speaker; but on what grounds we know not. Political friends hold him in higher repute than the public, to whom he is principally known by professions of Poor-law Reform which have not yqt fructified. And we have seen his qualifications stated in a form so jocose as almost to suggest a doubt whe- ther the idea of his ultimate elevation is seriously entertained by any party. To ourselves two facts appear to be incontrovertible : for the highest t Mr. Baines has not yet served an apprenticeship long enough in the opri and the Liberals need not compromise, but may retain their present Speaker; if they cannot also appoint thew own chairman of c91:11P3itte911,
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