27 MARCH 1886, Page 3

In the House of Lords yesterday week, Lord Thurlow carried

his resolution in favour of opening. "national collections of art and literature" to the public on Sundays, by a majority of 14 (76 against 62). The argument, as usual, turned chiefly on the wishes of the working classes, and the inadequacy of the House of Lords to express the views of the working classes. But, as was said in reply to the latter remark, the House of Lords did not pro- pose to legislate on the subject, but simply to give their own opinion, which the House of Commons need not adopt if it dis- approves. The working classes would dislike very much to have the railways closed on the . Sunday, or even to have th4 Zoological Gardens shut up, so that the question of principle is not at stake, but simply the question of the extent to which rational and quiet amusements shall be popularised on the Sunday. Lord Bramwell and Lord Granville, as usual, spoke very well for the opening of the Art-galleries and MI1/301111111, while. Lord. Middleton and Lord Harrowby spoke against it. After all, the decision rests, and should rest, with the House of Commons.