The Welsh Disestablishment Bill was read a first time without
a division on Thursday after a short debate in which Sir R. Webster expressed his indignation that no attempt had been made to answer Sir Michael Hicks-Beach's powerful speech, and Mr. Bryce replied in a very genial and concilia- tory speech, but one which, to our deep regret, was founded on the conception of the Welsh people being in fact a distinct nation in language, literature, and genius. As to language, so far as the Welsh use their own language, Mr. Bryce is of course right ; but we wonder how many, even of the Welsh- speaking population, are steeped in Welsh literature. And we all know that a very considerable number of the leaders in Welsh politics have never mastered the Welsh language at all. Mr. Bryce seemed very desirous of persuading the House that the Bill is not intended to interfere 'Iva the discipline of the clergy in Wales, or to interfere with the progress and prosperity of the Welsh Church after Dis- establishment, as it seemed to Sir Michael Hicks-Beach that it would be likely to interfere with it.
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