The Government have decided on a winter Session. To the
surprise even of officials, it was announced on Tuesday that Parliament would assemble on December 3rd for the despatch of business. The motive is understood to be the necessity for more money, the war having lasted longer than was expected, and the cost of bringing back the troops being very great. Operations in China, too, have already cost three millions,—a peremptory claim, as the Government of India cannot afford to stand long out of its advances. It is hoped that business will be confined to the money votes, and that the Session will be short ; but Parliament, once assembled, rules the Ministry, and we give elsewhere reasons for believing that the Session may be lively. The Queen's Speech may be short, and efforts may be made to avoid debate on the Address, but the right of Parliament to air its grievances before money is voted is indisputable, and the Opposition think they have plenty to air. They will condemn the recent conduct of the war and the swerve towards severity in the treatment of the Boers, and possibly the decision of the Government to make the two Republics pay for their own subjugation. Each of these subjects allows of long debate, on each there are many opinions, and about each jarring factions are inclined to be unusually fierce. If Parliament rises before the 23rd we shall be surprised.
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