The situation has changed a good deal since our last
issue. Mr. Gladstone agreed on Thursday that the division on the Home-rule Bill should be taken on Monday night; and though Members below the gangway shouted for Taesday, Monday night has been finally selected. There will be an end, therefore, at last to this weary debate, and the end, it is morally certain, will be the defeat of the Bill. Lord Hartington's followers and Mr. Chamberlain's have both met in separate consultation, and have decided that they cannot vote for the principle of the Bill as interpreted by Mr. Gladstone. The defeat of the Bill is, therefore, assured, though cal- culations as to the hostile majority vary from nine to forty-five. It is understood that the vote will be fol- lowed by an immediate dissolution, for which everything is ready, although there is a rumour, discussed elsewhere, that the Government may seek delay. As, however, the object of delay would be a new Registration Act, and as the Lords would pass no such measure, delay is exceedingly improbable.
