On Tuesday, the House of Commons, after passing the clause
transferring certain licensing duties from the Justices to the District Councils, took up the question of applying the Poor-law portion of the Bill to London and the countyboroughs. Mr. Talbot moved to omit the subsection, and this led to a wrangle as to whether this was not contrary to the compro- mise. Ultimately, the House divided, and the application to London and the towns was carried by 68 (118 to 50). On
Wednesday, a discussion took place as to the date at which the first elections under the Bill could be held. It was. generally agreed that the day named, April 15th next, was too• near ; and Mr. Fowler announced that the Government would, later on, announce another date. It is worth noticing that though a great deal of progress was made on Wednesday, no. division was taken. We trust that the Government will record, for future use, that a compromise on reasonable lines. is a much more effective weapon than the guillotine.
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