7 JANUARY 1871, Page 3

It is barely possible,—and we sincerely hope it may be

so,— that the shuffle of Cabinet offices is intended to render it easier for the Government to retrace their false step in inflicting banishment instead of giving the promised pardon to the Fenian prisoners. We believe that the Government is really reconsidering that very unwise half-measure, at least as regards some of the prisoners ; and the advent of a new Minister to Ireland might render it easier to avow a change of policy. It will be a pity, however, if Mr. Chichester Fortescue has to " get up " Trade as a penance for this, perhaps his only serious blunder.