The second reading of the Miners' Eight-Hours Bill was carried
on Wednesday by a majority of 279 to 201, after a remarkable declaration from Mr. Gladstone. He stated that the majority of his Cabinet, and especially Mr. Asquith, were in favour of the Bill, though a minority were of another opinion, and would abstain from voting. He himself thought that the mining industry was entitled to the Bill if it wished for it, and that the majority of that industry was in its favour. He should, therefore, record his vote for the second reading, but with the reserve that he thought the evidence im- perfect; that he would not fine the masters only, as the Bill does, for evasions of the law ; and that he should be greatly inclined towards a system of Local Option. He liked Local Option. He had even, in 1886, proposed to exempt " thesNorth-Eastern corner of Ireland from the Home- rule Bill," and had obtained the Nationalist consent to that proposal, which he and his colleagues "had never withdrawn." A. more extraordinary occasion for making a declaration which would be of vital importance but that Ulster and the Unionists are certain not to accept it, was certainly never selected ; and it should be carefully noted that the House heard it without any sign of enthusiasm or assent. Lord Randolph Churchill strongly supported the Bill, observing that Parliament was bound to deal with the matter, and not leave it to be settled by agitation and strikes ; which, however, it should be noted, will begin at once if the consequence of the reduction of hours. is a reduction in wages.
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