NEWS OF THE WEEK.
STILL whilst we write, on the twelfth evening, the debate goes on; but not without hope of closing before sunrise. The third week has added little to the matter elicited in discussion. The Pro- tectionists have reaped. no new laurels ; though one of their ablest men, Mr. Christopher, has spoken. Ministers have been drawn out, and have made a creditable show in their new capacity as Free-traders,ânamely, Sir George Clerk, Mr. Goulburn, and ,Mr. Cardwell. The notable on the Liberal side is Mr. Villiers' who took an excellent review of the question' less as a political economist than as a shrewd politician, of tact in debate, and well acquainted with what is passing in society. He uttered what must have been a welcome assurance to Sir Robert Peel, harrassed as the Minister must be by his arduous task though steadfast to his postâthat his exertions and sacrifices have not been in vain. Mr. Villiers is no mere party manâno mere Whig or Leaguer, hritn thorough Englishman, albeit of the most intelligent class : he knows the drift of the national feelings, and his assurance on that score is worth much.
Not less so is Mr. Villiers's assurance that if Sir Robert Peel shall act in the spirit of his new policy on other subjects, the people will follow and support him. That we firmly believe. In the case of the Corn-laws he has taken the broadest view of the questionâa view abstracted from party and extended to the essential interests of the whole country. He has accepted the state of opinion as an element in⢠the question ; which cannot, indeed, justly be settled otherwise: That is Sir Robert Peel's true vindication : it is, less the Irish' emergency than the state of opinion that makes the Corn-laws untenable. The same rule would apply to all leading questions of the time. But of each in its proper day : meanwhile, we'have already gained far more than mere Corn-law repeal.
