On Thursday, the breach of pri;ilege committed by the Times,
in a leader of that day, in accusing the Parnellite Members of blackguardism, was called attention to by Mr. Labouchere, and admitted by the Chancellor of the Exchequer, who, owing to Mr. W. H. Smith's absence, as on Wednesday, from domestic affliction, again led the House. The House was advised by Mr. Goschen, as on a similar occasion it was advised formerly by Mr. Disraeli, not to take notice of it,— advice in which Mr. Gladstone cordially concurred. The only incident of this part of the debate was that Mr. John Morley, who on Wednesday had characterised Mr. J. Redmond's accusation against the Times as branding it with infamy if it had no explanation to make, now made his rule absolute, and did brand the Times with infamy,—a rash proceeding as to an event that happened six years ago, of which no one now can possibly recover the explanation. We think the Times right in saying that it has usually given to the Parnellite Members' speeches and letters far more space than modern journals usually give to the case against them ; but yet even within the last year or two it has treated Mr. Redmond's case with less than its usual candour. The debate on Mr. Goschen's motion for the absolute closure of the Committee stage at 1 o'clock was then taken, and after wearisome bickering, was decided in the affirmative by a majority of 52 (237 votes to 185). After a number of other amendments limiting the scope of the inquiry had been negatived,—for example, one very absurd one directing the Commissioners to go into the question of the alleged forgeries first of all,—the final stage was at last reached, the Parnellite Members not voting after 1 o'clock, and the Bill being then carried through Committee without a division. The Report was fixed for Monday.
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