Mr. Gladstone on Tuesday stated that there were two measures
before the House which the Government were determined to pass, or in Parliamentary phrase, that they would "obtain the definitive judgment of the House upon the Army Regulation Bill and the Ballot Bill without any reference to time whatso- ever." There "are considerations of public principle and public duty involved in both of these measures which leave the Ministry no alternative whatever." This spirited declaration is believed to. have greatly encouraged the advocates of Army Reform and the entire Radical party, and it will perhaps after some concessions carry the Army Bill in safety through Parliament. We are not equally confident about the Ballot Bill, unless it is debated soon. The Lords will not reject the Army Bill, it not being their function to hamper the Executive ; but if the Ballot Bill goes up. late they are very likely indeed to throw it out, on the plea of want of time for full consideration.
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