7 NOVEMBER 1868, Page 2

If Mr. Gladstone can be defeated in South-West Lancashire, and

the seat for Greenwich is tilled up, Mr. Gladstone will be too late for the debate on the Address, and the Government might retain power till February. That is the Premier's calculation, and consequently Lord Mahon is starting for Greenwich. Even if this nice little plot succeeds, which is not very probable, the Liberals have leaders left who, with Mr. Gladstone looking on from the gallery, will make short work of the Government by passing the vote of want of confidence, if necessary, in silence, but it would be well if London honoured itself by offering Mr. Gladstone a third alternative. It could make sure of four members then, for if Mr. Gladstone did not sit, the undivided force of the Liberals could be thrown for Mr. Lawrence.