The discussion on the Budget came on duly on Thursday,
and showed that there was practically no opposition to the proposal of the Government. Sir H. Selwin Ibbet-son made a bitter onslaught on the Brewers' licences duty, and moved a reso- lution that it was unfair and oppressive ; but the House was not disposed, this time at least, to back him up, and evidently agreed with Mr. Gladstone that if the Brewers are oppressed they thrive under oppression, though there is probably real ground of complaint and a good case for future consideration. Mr. W. H.. Smith is to raise on Monday on the Report the point suggested by Sir Massey Lopes, that before agreeing to the proposal for the further reduction of indirect taxation "it is desirable that the- House should be put in possession of the views of the Govern- ment with reference to the maintenance and the adjustment of direct taxation, both imperial and local." But it is not likely that this resolution is intended as any more than a recon- naissance against the Government, in anticipation of Mr. Stansfeld's Local Taxation Bill. As far as Thursday's discussion went, it is clear that the Budget is not likely to meet any serious resistance.
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