On Tuesday the Dake of Devonshire introduced the London Government
Bill into the House of Lords. It was welcomed by Lord Tweed mouth as in no sense a party measure. Lord Onslow gladly accepted the proposal to treat the Bill in a non-party spirit, but very pertinently remarked that though a similar announcement had been made on the second reading in the Commons, a great deal of party heat had been generated. Lord Kimberley, who spoke, joined with Lord Tweedmonth in protesting against the creation of the Greater Westminster. As we have noted before, the fierce opposition to the constitution of this Borough is really very unworthy. It is an amalgam of Vestry feeling on the one hand—the Vestry interest in St George's, St. James's, and the Strand objects to being merged in the Greater Westminster—and of a childish jealousy in a section of the County Council on the other. Certain super- sensitive Councillors think that so rich and large a Borough will eclipse the glories of the County Council. That is really very absurd, and reminds one of those ladies who grow indig- nant if their maid-servants' new bonnets are too smart or too fashionable, and so compete with the mistress's best hat. In truth, the only thing that will dim the glories of the County Council bonnet will be indulgence in foolish speaking and wild and ill-considered action. As long as they act sensibly —as we gladly admit they have in the past—the County Council need not be afraid of that designing minx, Greater Westminster, no matter how many new robes and maces she may order for her Mayor.
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