Yesterday the draft of the King's speech was finally settled at a Cabinet meeting, and to-day it has been approved by the King at a Privy Council. As to its contents, however, nothing has been allowed to leak out. We know from the oft-repeated promises of the Prime Minister that an Allen Immigration Bill is to be one of the first measures introduced by the Government in the Session which opens on Tuesday, and we may assume that the speech from the Throne will contain some reference to this; but that is the only item in the legislative Programme about which there is any certainty. A large section of the Unionist Party have strongly urged upon the Government the need of a redistribution of seats, principally with the view of reducing the over-representation of Ireland; but the only reply that has been given is a promise to consider the matter, and we do not know whether Mr. Balfour intends, in the present disorganized condition of his party, to attempt this formidable task, As for the expected dissolution, of late 01 Cabinet Minister after another has been solemnly assuring us thnt they have no intention of resigning or dissolving unless they suffer a defoxt in-the Commons. But of course if Mr. Balfour prefers that method of ending his administration it will be a very easy matter for him to court defeat.
\any case Mr, Chamberlain, if sincere in his repeatedly-expressed desire that the General Election should com: at once, can easily force it. An amendment to the Address which, expressing any opinion question, declared that the time had come for taking the opinion of the country upon it would certainly be carried if Mr. Chamberlain gave followers the cue to accord it their active support, or even to abstain from voting upon it,
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.