22 JUNE 1878, Page 3

The Committee of the House of Commons on Public Busineeg

have presented a " first Report," and a very grotesque document it is. The Committee recommend that whenever a Member has been twice formally declared by the Speaker to be out of order, or abusing the Rules of the House, the Speaker shall propose that "such Member be suspended from his duties during the remainder of that day's sitting of the House." What will an Obstructive care about that? After occupying at least an hour's time in taking a division, and wrangling as to his right to speak, he win quietly pass the word to the nearest Home-ruler, who will repeat the whole process. Five or six men will thus stop all business for the evening. The mischief, whenever it is determined to stop it,—and at present, we believe the Government rather likes it, as an excuse for neglecting legislation,—will require much more drastic measures, the easiest and fairest being expulsion, which falls only on the guilty, and does not infringe the liberty of the whole House.