The Social Democratic Federation is resolved to give trouble. It
has summoned all rough London to meet on Sunday in Trafalgar Square, and intends to send a deputation to Lord Salisbury, who is accused of being the author of part of the distress. The Government apprehend serious rioting, and have made careful military preparations on an unusual scale, though the statement, believed by the Federation, that artillery is to be displayed is said to be a fabrication. We hope it is, though the argument that it is shocking to use artillery is rubbish. It is equally shocking to use rifles if there is no need for them ; but shells and bullets both kill. The meeting will be allowed, but all disorder will be repressed with decision, and the deputation to• Arlington Street will be limited in numbers. The precautions taken may appear excessive ; but it is necessary to avoid a con- test, and, as we pointed out a fortnight ago, the result of such demonstrations in a great capital is always to diminish liberty. It is also announced that a great meeting will be held next Wednesday, at half-past 6 in the evening, in Exmouth Street, avowedly to overawe the Guardians assembled in the Vestry Hall. There is much that is doubtful as to the expediency of allowing mass meetings in London, and we incline to the side of liberty ; but one point is absolutely clear. No open-air meeting after dusk can be called for any good purpose ; and such meetings, whether political, social, or philanthropic, should be prohibited by law, and prevented, when the law is clear, by force. Demonstrations demand daylight.
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