NEWS OF THE WEEK.
(AN Monday, Sir Stafford Northcote, addressing the Beacons- N-1 field Club, dropped some significant remarks on the probable character and extent of the Redistribution Bill, The Conser- vatives could not expect, he said, "that the great settlement now in hand could be accomplished without considerable changes, and he had no doubt that when the Redistribution Bill now in preparation was introduced into the House of Commons, many persons would be startled by its proposals, which would appear to be of a very large character. But on the passing of a Bill of this kind, they must take care to give fall and fair play to all the interests of the country, and to bring about a settle- ment which might be of a durable and permanent character. These alterations in the representative system of the country ought to be settled on a broad basis, so as to give as little occa- sion as possible for reopening the question." That statement by the Conservative Leader is an excellent omen for the char- acter of the Redistribution Bill, and is especially gratifying to the hopes of all sound Radicals.
