It is stated, apparently with full authority, that the Oppo-
sition intend to move three amendments to the Address,—one upon fiscal reform, one upon the mismanagement of the late war, and one condemning the education policy of the Govern- ment. The first is not only judicious, but imperative in the interest of the country, as it will compel the Premier to define his own position and that of Mr. Chamberlain ; the second has been called for on all hands ever since the war came to an end; and the third is the inevitable preliminary to any reasonable compromise. We trust that there will also be a fourth explicitly condemning the introduction of Chinese into the Transvaal upon terms which reduce them to the condition of slaves, and which, if made known in China, will render amity between Pekin and the British Government almost fin= possible. We are told that it is very difficult to induce the leaders of the Liberals to move in this matter ; but if it is brought forward by private Members of sufficient resolution, the vote may still act as a check upon the Colonial Office. We refuse to believe that the House of Commons, once in- formed of the facts, will permit a Crown Colony to re-establish slavery. For forced labour without the right of changing masters, or any check upon oppression, even from publicity —which is prevented by the system of "compounds "—is slavery.
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