On Wednesday, a striking proof was given of the successful
-working of the system of devolution to Grand Committees, the Railway and Canal Traffic Bill passing the stage of the Report and its third reading by almost universal consent, and without any amendment being pressed to a division. Mr. Stevenson, it is trim, tried to induce the House to reject the clause which prohibits any difference in thetreatment accorded by the Companies to home and foreign merchandise, on the ground that such a provision would be in its nature protec- tive, but in doing so he met with no encouragement. Sir Michael Hicks-Beach opposed the amendment, and denied that the effect of the change would be protective, and in doing so was supported by Mr. Mundella, who deprecated any alteration in a measure which had been so exhaustively and so temperately considered in the Grand Committee. The amendment was negatived without a division. The evident determination evinced on both sides of the House not to allow the details of the measure to be rediscussed, is a good omen for the future. If this temper holds, we may yet see the Criminal Law codified, and the Acts that regulate the possession of real property brought from chaos into order.
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