Business in the House of Commons is getting on with
i perplexing absence of obstruction. The Scotch University Bill, and the Scotch Local Government Bill, and the Coal Duties Abolition Bill, are all advancing as if the Opposition wished that, even with Unionists in power, work should be done. Have the constituencies given their Members a hint, or what is the explanation of all this good-humour and tolerance of progress ? That Irish Members should lie low till the hail of American telegrams ceases, we can understand; but what is the pressure on the Radicals ? Is it that Ikey are Afraid. to offend Scotland, and that the Scotch, however Radical, have good sense, and want their business put through? Whatever the cause, the effect is certain, and the House of
Commons has reduced itself to the decency and orderliness of • shareholders' meeting in a prosperous year. Perhaps the peace is only a truce, and the House will explode by-and-by; but at present the country is almost as comfortable as if it were in recess.
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