On Tuesday the House of Commons was prevented from debating
the question of the Coal-duties by an acrimonious discussion which arose over a private Bill of the London and North-Western Railway Company. That Company has not, it appears, a very satisfactory record in the matter of rehousing, and therefore its Bill, which includes the demoli- tion of houses, was strenuously opposed, and finally defeated by a majority of 8 (210 to 202). We cannot profess to be able to determine the merits of the dispute in detail, but consider. ing the arbitrary character of British railway companies and the tremendous powers they exercise, it is perhaps no bad thing that they should occasionally be sharply reminded that if they ask for new powers from the Legislature, they must be willing to bow to public opinion, especially on such a question as rehousing. At the same time, it is always a pity to prevent the improvement of railway systems out of London,—an improved train service often prevents overcrowding more effectually than new buildings.
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