NEWS OF THE WEEK.
pA.RLIAMENT reassembles on Tuesday, the 24th inst. As the Houses were only adjourned, and not prorogued, there will be no Queen's Speech ; and, properly speaking, all business should proceed as if the holiday had only lasted a week. It is understood, however, that Mr. Gladstone will, at an early stage of business, move that Procedure should have precedence over all other topics, and that, after a desperate effort to start long debates on Egypt and Ireland, this will be carried. It is believed that Mr. Gladstone :will adhere to the rule allowing Closure by a bare majority ; and so pronounced is tire feeling of the country, that it is quite possible much stronger • proposals than his, which is greatly weakened by the introduction of the Speaker, will be brought forward. As all manner of Tories will resist strongly, the discussion is expected to be lengthy, but it may not be so protracted as some of the public expect. If the debate degenerates into obstruction, many Tories will accept the Closure ; and if it is drawn out beyond reason, it will become the duty of the Ministry to dissolve, and they will, we are con- fident, perform it. A dissolution against obstruction, with the Tories openly desiring it, for fear Mr. Gladstone should pass his measures, would probably end in the return of a House so Liberal, that the Tories would be effaced, and the increased number of the Parnellites become a matter of no importance. The Tories will not run that risk, and it is possible, therefore, that the fag-end Session may be shorter than is anticipated.
