NEWS OF THE WEEK.
THERE are several indications that the Tory Opposition mean to give the Government little trouble in the early part of the ensu- ing session, except by their election petitions. It is not the cue of the Tories to seek any reduction of the Civil List which Ministers will propose; rather would they bid high for Royal favour by voting an exorbitant income to the young Queen. Sir ROBERT PEEL, we are informed, is not expected to return from the Conti- nent till after Christmas. The Quarterly Review, published this week, warns the Tories against any premature assault on Down- ing Street. Lord FRANCIS EGERTON, as likely as any member of the party to be in the secret of its tactics, talks mildly of "check- ing the evil measures of the Government." The Times, Post, and Standard, have lowered their tone of exultation ; no longer pro- mising an immediate overthrow of the Whigs. From all these symptoms, it appears that the Tory policy is to hold back and gather additional strength. The calculation is, that on the whole of the election petitions, at least six seats will be lost by the Liberals, counting twelve votes in the division ; and the Tories will make strenuous efforts to substitute their own men for Liberals when single vacancies occur. It is undeniable that by this pro- cess the small Ministerial majority may be gradually overbalanced; the Ministers, defeated in the House of Commons, may be com- pelled to resign ; and another dissolution take place with the Tories in power. That such will be the course of politics, is too likely, unless a change is made in the Liberal tactics. The Tories are marching on the Cabinet as surely and safely as a besieging army on a fortress, whose garrison is too weak or too cowardly to disturb the operations of the assailants by a sally or a shell. Daily the defences are cut down, and the mine advances. Prepa- rations for the final onslaught are made under the eyes of the be- leaguered troops; and yet not a trumpet is sounded or a war-cry raised within the walls. There are brave men in the fortress, eager for action; but their officers look coldly upon them, and deem their desire to engage the enemy as a proof of treachery. Time will show who are the real traitors.
