The new Rules of Procedure to be presented to Parliament
are simpler than was expected. The first, and much the most important, provides for a nearly perfect Closure. "At any time after a question has been proposed, a motion may be made, if the consent of the Chair has been previously obtained,. 'That the question be now put.' Such motion shall be put forthwith, and decided without amendment or debate." The Closure may be applied to a Bill or a clause, or any question proposed from the Chair, but must not operate if the division shows less than 200 in its favour, unless, indeed, less than 40' have voted against it. In that event, only 100 votes will be necessary in support. The Standing Committees are to be revived ; the House is to sit from 2 to 12.30, instead of from 4 to 12 ; an hour and a half is to be allowed for dinner, from 7.30 to 9 ; the Closure may be applied whenever a debate is interrupted by the rising of the House; and any Member guilty of offensive language or of interruption may be suspended at the- discretion of the Speaker for a fortnight, and further, unless he apologises. A few minor improvements are suggested, and one Constitutional change, permitting the Lords to initiate Money Bills or amendments for local purposes. The changes are all judicious ; but, of course, the Closure will be fiercely resisted. That restores freedom to the Legislature, and the freedom of the Legislature is precisely what the Irish Members and some of their allies are unable to endure.
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