A "Conservative Peer," who presumably voted for the in- definite
stopping of the Franchise Bill, sounds this week the first note of retreat. He hopes that "our brilliant Samson "- surely the oddest collocation of words, Samson having been first stupid, and then blind—may reconsider the question and cease "to burn bridges and boats," and that "a re- spected voice may yet call upon our leaders to pause before they strain the powers of the Upper House to cracking, and end by leaving the Crown face to face with a despotic and all. devouring single Chamber." He therefore desires his fellow. Peersto pass the Franchise Bill, and so amend the Re- distribution Bill that a conference may be held with the Commons and an agreement arrived at next year. Then there will be no necessity for a second "Balaclava charge" of the majority, at once so brilliant and so fatal. That is by far the most sensible advice yet offered by a Conservative to Conservative Peers ; but then is it not too sensible ? Will it not be denounced by leaders who are not anxious to save the Upper House as an unworthy surrender? It would have been Wellington's advice; but then Lord Salisbury is to the Duke of Wellington what Lord Peterborough was to Marlborough. He loves the adventure, not its fruits.
