NEWS OF THE WEEK
THE week has been one of much political excitement. It was whispered on Monday, and known on Tuesday, that the Government intended to abandon Coercion, to release the political suspects—especially the three Members of Parliament —and to bring in measures for the settlement of arrears and the extension of the purchase clauses which would still farther tend to conciliate Ireland. It was known also that Mr. Forster declined to share the responsibility for these measures, and would quit the Cabinet; and for a moment it was believed that Lord Kimberley and Lord Selborne would follow. This turned out to be unfounded, but the general change of policy and persons was sufficient to justify Liberals in speaking of a "new departure," and Tories in talking of a com- promise with the Land League. Parliament and Society, therefore, grew excited, and when Mr. Gladstone's explanation was made on Tuesday, the interest grew intense. The general effect upon opinion can hardly be tested yet, but we should say that, so far, the Tories are strengthened in their belief that Mr. Gladstone is Antichrist ; that the Moderate Liberals would be glum, but for Lord Hartington ; and that the Liberal consti- tuencies everywhere feel themselves relieved from the intoler- able position created by unsuccessful coercion.
