NEWS OF THE WEEK.
THE electioneering movements now going on in different parts of the country, imply a pretty general expectation of an approaching dissolution of Parliament. Some of the preparations are indeed for immediate action to contest the seats which from deaths and resignations will be vacant at the opening of the session next month; but in the majority of cases, the canvassing is proceeding in places which the present Members will continue to represent till the dissolution. Simpletons, who cannot e'en by experience be taught to understand the difference between Whigs in Opposition and Whigs in Downing Street, imagine that the long-pledged advo- cates of practical Triennial Parliaments will not have the face to ex- tend the duration of this one much longer. But the honest simple- tons may be deceived: provided there were a prospect of retaining a colourable majority on the general run of questions, we should not be surprised to see these Ministers "rub on" with their pre- sent House to the last year of the legal seven. Of those who have been visiting and making speeches to electors on such a prospect of a vacancy as exists, Mr. MILNER Gnisoe; has been brought most prominently forward. lk is a marked man, and the Tory papers fail not to attack him whenever he appears. His speech this week to a section of the •Manchester electors has afforded such an opportunity. They cannot forgive his desertion of the Conservative side on a trying division, and affect to despise the man who claims to form an independent judgment for himself irrespective of party. Mr. GIBSON is rather new to electioneering tactics. It is evident from his answers to the questions put to him that he does not go so far in his present notions of reform as many of the Manchester constituency wish. lie maintains, however, the doctrine of progressive reforms to an almost unlimited extent. Public opinion, he observes, is the measure by which they must be regulated ; and when that is decidedly formed, even the hereditary wisdom of the House of Lords must give way should the voice of the people so decide. Sound doctrine in the main, when not put forward as a screen for trimmers who betray their assumed posts as the leaders and farmers of opinion.
