Mr. Parnell, who moved the adjournment of the debate, will
have replied to Mr. Forster before this journal is in our readers' hands, though much too late for our issue. Sir Stafford Northcote also gave notice of a formal motion condemning what is called the " Silmainham Treaty," after nearly a year's hesita- tion as to his course. Mr. Gladstone himself is to be in London next week, and will be able to bear the brunt of this not very formidable attack. It certainly does seem to us a serious strategical blunder for the Conservatives, after craning so long at the attack, now to take up a matter on which little or no new light has been thrown, solely because the unveiling of the Secret Societies has gravely incensed the public against all Irish evil-doers. Parliament should. lead opinion, and not keep a stone for a full year in its pocket, only to cast it when other stones are already flying thick through the air.
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