The first election—an omen—terminated this morning in favour of the
new Minister of Public Works. Sir William Molesworth was nominated for the borough of Southwark by Dr. Chalice, seconded by Mr. Martin, and elected without opposition. Sir William addressed the electors in his usual style—frank, methodical, and explicit. He takes office to help in carrying out Free-trade : but the price we pay for Free- trade, and for the financial policy of Sir Robert Peel, is the Income- tax ; and the Income-tax, therefore, equalized as much as possible, must be maintained. He will have to assist in carrying a Reform Bill, based on extended suffrage-the ballot being an open question. Non- intervention forms the keystone of his views on foreign policy. And one of the reasons that mainly induced him to take office is that he may aid the cause of Colonial reform and the application of tho principles of local self-government to our Colonies. Upon all these questions there is between himself and his colleagues a general agreement of opinion sr& fieient for cordial and preotical concert.
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