NEWS OF THE WEEK.
ANOTHER night (Monday) has been nearly wasted. Mr. Bright, in the speech at Birmingham which we noticed last week, accused the Conservatives of having formed an alliance with a "rebel party " among the Irish Members, for the delay of public business. Sir Stafford North- -cote, to repudiate the charge, and also, perhaps, to consume Further time, brought the statement forward as a breach of Privilege. His speech was temperate, and consisted principally of an utter repudiation both of Obstruction and of alliance with rebels. It was endorsed in warmer terms by Sir R. Cross, and in a really good, though forensic, speech by Mr. Gibson. Mr. Bright's rejoinder was mild, but firm. He showed how time was wasted by Members who acted in combination, though not in alliance; quoted the exultation of the Tories and Irish at the defeat of the Affirmation Bill, as proof of their common sympathies ; denounced the personal attacks on the bead of the Government, and then proceeded to justify the word " rebels," for which, however, he would heartily apologise, if Mr. Parnell would repudiate disloyal designs and his American associates. It was expected that the Irish Extremists would be furious, but they did not really care; Mr. Parnell stayed away, and those who spoke only insulted Mr. Bright. A division was taken, and the House refused by 151 to 117 to treat the speech as breach of Privilege.
