NEWS OF THE WEEK.
PARI.ThlitzN'T has passed the week with a very scanty allowance of political discussion. Business has been done, where it has
been pressed by those who take a practical interest in particular subjects ; but the chief interest has turned upon those large questions which must at present engage public attention, and
Ministers have had to withstand urgent inquiries. They have stood the trial bravely. The most interesting of all topics for the immediate moment has been the subject only of hints, allusive notices, a motion for papers, and so forth,—the commercial treaty with France. But nothing fresh has been. drawn forth ; the ex- planation which was at one time understood to be appointed for Friday night this week, stands over till Monday next. We are of course quite unable to anticipate the precise nature of Mr. Gladstone's revelations either with regard to his budget, which some expect to contain the cessation of the income-tax, or with regard to the commercial treaty which is to be taken along with the budget. But we know enough to feel sure that, if a full ex- planation be given to the public, the great facts upon which the policy of our Government rests are of a kind, we cannot merely say, to satisfy the public, but to give more than satisfaction— pleasure and hope. There cannot be the slightest doubt that the step taken by France in breaking through her restrictive policy, begins an enlargement of trade and of intercourse between na- tions which must benefit this country not the less because it will benefit all the nations of the civilized world. The very wants of France, which can be Very intelligibly explained to the public, are of a kind to occasion confidence in this country. We have already shown this, but the publie,we anticipate, will have further evidence and more authenticated statements from Ministers and Members. The quondam Protectionist party, who have shown such a new-born horror at reciprocity, will, as we have already stated, find that Mr. Cobden has assisted in the deliberations upon the whole subject to a degree perhaps which they could hardly have understood. It is to be regretted. that the necessity for repose should have induced him to proceed in a direotion op- posite from London, as it is reported he has done, though we have no doubt that his inquiring eye will collect some further in- formation respecting the state of French manufactures at a very
important centre—Lyons, where the trade is in a very remark- able condition. It is to be regretted that Mr. Cobden-should not assist in the debate of Monday next ; but the measures conse- quent upon the new commercial relations with France will not be despatched in a single night, nor in two. We anticipate that Mr. Cobden will take his place in the House, and in the debates, probably in a new position though one extremely satisfactory to the people of this country. The whole policy, we say, rests on facts so large, so hopeful for peace, and for the progress of the most important nations, that even party jealousies must disappear before the simple statement ; and the public at large, we are con- vinced, will ratify the conduct of these accredited agents amongst whom Richard Cobden has undoubtedly been one.
