On Tuesday the discussion on the second reading of the
Bill for uniting their systems promoted by the London, Chatham, and Dover and South-Eastern Railways ended in a compromise, which we trust will ultimately result in a fair and reasonable settlement of the whole matter. The second reading was carried by 206 (288 to 82), but it was agreed that the Bill should be referred to a Hybrid Committee under lertain conditions, which will give large powers of modi- fying the Companies' proposals in the public interest. The Committee is to have great freedom in its methods, and is not to be restrained by the ordinary strict rules of procedure. The opposition has, in fact, insured that the Bill shall not be run through after the manner of many railway Bills, and the public interest will be protected. If, that is, a case for allowing a monopoly is made out, it shall be a strictly limited and constitutional monopoly. Much the same conclusion was arrived at in regard to the proposed Irish railway amalgama- tion. The Bill is to be sent to a Hybrid Committee with a. wide reference as to safeguards, &a.
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