29th Sept.
Tre telegram we publish this morning bears out the prediction we made the other day that there is no immediate likelihood of a dissolution. Mr. Gladstone has gone to Midlothian and thrown down a challenge to the House of Lords, in a way which will doubtless rouse the enthusiasm of his supporters, but need not unduly frighten his opponents. Threatened institutions and men live long, and though the ery to "mend or end the House of Lords" may be popular with a certain section during the heat of election, when it comes to meddling with the foundations of the Constitution the people of Great Britain will pause. There are some rabid politicians who, whilst caring nothing for Home Rule, would be very ready to support any attack upon the Upper Chamber, which is the object of their unreasoning hate, and these the "old parliamentary hand" doubtless hopes to gather to his aid and help him to carry what has become the ambition of his Inter years. In the event of Inv. Gladstone securing a majority at the next election—a thing which is not certain—his first labours would be again devoted to the passing of a Home Rule Bill, and if he should suc-coed in carrying such scheme through the House of Commons again, it is not easy to see why the House of Lords could refuse to pass it. If the Unionists, therefore, are earnest in their hostility to Home Rule they must not Vords, but must by. s vigorous pro-place all their hopes in the House of
paganda convert the electors to their views, and Mr, Gladstone defeated at the polls, they need not fear the result of his agitation,
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.