The Corporation Commissioners have sat every day this week, but
have not received any information from the City Companies, into whose affairs it is their object to inquire. These Companies, with scarcely an exception, have refused to answer any questions; and the Commissioners have no compulsory powers. Their report next session, therefore, must be imperfect, and hardly in a fit state to supply the basis of legislation. This inconvenience arises from the want of vigour and energy in the Government that issued the Commission. They dared not call upon Parliament to sanc- tion the Commission, and thus arm its members with the power to compel the refractory, from fear of the house of Lords, it was no doubt deemed a cunning expedient to evade the necessity of an application to Parliament, by issuing a Royal Commission. But this was only putting off the evil' day ; for the same majority which would have refused to issue the Commission, will refuse their assent to the bill which we arc told will be introduced next session. People need not be very sanguine. We should not be surprised if Ministers took advantage of their own fault, and made the imperfect report of the Commission an excuse for post- poning Corporation Reform. Sure we are that Lord BROUGHAM, who promises the measure, will hinder or mar it, if he can.
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