The military fact of the week is the calling-out of
the Reserves. On Monday a Message from the Queen, announcing the intention, was read in both Houses, and on Tuesday the Proclamation was formally issued. In the M essage it is stated that " the pre- sent state of public affairs in the East, and the necessity in con- nection therewith of taking steps for the maintenance of peace and for the protection of the interests of the Empire, having con-. stituted, in the opinion of her Majesty, a case of great emergency within the meaning of the Acts of Parliament in that behalf," her Majesty calls out the Reserves ; and the same words are repeated in the Proclamation. It was at first arranged that the debate on this proceeding should take place on Thursday, but it was pointed out that the delay in pro- ducing the Budget injured trade. Monday was, therefore, fixed for the discussion, and on that day Sir Stafford Northcote will move in the Commons, and Lord Beaconsfield in the Lords, an address to the Crown in answer to the Message. It is not known what form the amendment will take, but though the debating will be serious, there is little likelihood of a division. Too many Members have threatened to secede, either from a belief that preparations are necessary, or indignation at Russia, or a fear of their constituents' opinion.
