NEWS OF THE WEEK.
THE new Premier met his followers at his official residence in Downing Street on Thursday, and made them a short speech promising a truly Conservative policy, which was well received. At half-past five he appeared in the House of Commons, where he was received with cheers from his own side and a portion of those opposed to him, cheers which, however, subsided rather quickly. His speech on rising had a shade too much of Uriah Heep, a mock humility which never suits the speaker. He had, he said, "personal and peculiar difficulties" to increase the usual burden of forming an Administration ; in succeeding Lord Derby he succeeded to his principles ; in twenty years there had "never been a cloud" between him and the Earl, and he was cognizant of all his ideas. Mr. Disraeli seemed, in short, quite sorry to let go of the Earl's coat-tails. His foreign policy was Lord Stanley's—peace without isolation—but his home policy would be " a liberal one, a truly liberal one," a statement which pro- voked both laughter and cheers. The Reform Bills must pro- ceed, and an education Bill would be introduced ; and, as to Ireland, Lord Mayo would on Tuesday explain the views of the Cabinet, views which he hinted would meet the "enlightened and temperate" of all parties. The speech was fairly, but not enthusiastically received ; for, though no one in the House ex- pected a declaration of policy, members did expect a more eloquent speech and a more dramatic scene. The general impression at its close was that the Premier was anxious to gain time.
