NEWS OF THE WEEK.
pARMAMENT is to be dissolved to-day, the writs will be out in the evening, and the first pollings should take place on Friday, the elections then proceeding continuously for a fortnight. The issue remains as uncertain as ever; but, fortunately, the agony will be short. So far as we can judge, all depends upon the number of the Unionists who remain resolute to prefer a short domination of Tories, moderated by the most experienced Liberal chiefs, to the disruption of the Kingdom. There has, of course, been another flood of speeches ; but argument is exhausted, and the only new fact which comes out is that the Ministry are widely divided. Mr. Gladstone says as little as possible about details, and leaves all courses open ; Mr. Morley clearly and resolutely insists on both Bills as they stand ; Lord Rosebery shirks the Purchase Bill ; and Mr. Childers says he will put no pecu- niary burden on the English taxpayer for the sake of Irish landlords. We agree with Mr. Goschen that Mr. Gladstone and Mr. Morley are the realities among the shadows, and believe that if the verdict is for Home-rule, we shall have the old scheme, spoiled by some absurd effort to readmit the Irish, and a new Purchase Bill, strong or weak according to the national vote. It is strange to think that before our next issue the silent classes will have begun to speak, that their command is final, and that no man, from Mr. Gladstone downwards, knows what it will be
