We are of opinion that Mr. J. Morley's amendment was
an improvement. We should greatly prefer our- selves to vest the whole control of the police—as being an essential factor in the administration of the country— in the Home Secretary, and do not see the distinction in principle between judicial or military appointments and those in the police. It is, however, ridiculous to transfer the control of the police to the joint committee of Magis- trates and Councillors, and not transfer the executive appointments in the force. We agree, therefore, with Lord Hartington ; but his argument should have been urged upon the Government before the debate. To amend the scheme during the discussion, is to transfer responsibility for executive proposals from the Cabinet to the House, and make the latter body the only responsible government. To our amazement, we see this practice defended as one which increases the " utility " of the House of Commons ; but if carried far, it would destroy responsible government altogether. There would be no con- trolling power and no Government initiative, for the House would both propose and decide ; and Cabinet government, which is the constitutional system, would be superseded by government through an unwieldy public meeting.
