The Lord Mayor entertained the Speaker of the House of
Commons at dinner on Monday, and both Mr. Gully and Viscount Peel, his predecessor in office, made noteworthy speeches. Mr. Gully's subject was the continuity of his office, which has for five hundred years been elected, though the Sovereign is always asked for an approval, which has always been a ceremony, the details of which even down to the words used have never varied,—a curious incidental proof of the continuity of English history. Viscount Peel seized the occasion to give his opinion on the general character of the House of Commons, which he maintains has not deteriorated ? "I venture to say that such is the reservoir, if I may use the term, from which the electors of this country choose their representatives to be sent to the House of Commons, that there is little fear of the House of Commons ever degenerating in the great qualities of oratory and states- manship, and that, though the Burkes and Gladstones pass away, we may look for a continuity and succession of great men in those very lines of oratory and statesmanship." Viscount Peel paid a warm tribute to his successor, who has certainly made a success beyond expectation, and justified the sagacity of Lord Herschel!, who originally sug- gested him as of all Members the one most certain to fill the chair with dignity and force.
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