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1888.] "debt of gratitude" was owing to them for this "singular forbearance." But, putting aside this doubtless judicious but rather ridiculous flattery, it is not to be disputed that the exercise of the power of closure, and probably also the salutary fear of that exercise, have operated in no small degree in the prevention of obstructive tactics and the furtherance of legislation. The good sense, firmness, and discretion of Mr Courtney, the Chairman of Committees, have also proved most serviceable to the progress of business, and have greatly raised the position of that gentleman in the estimation of his brother members of the House of Commons, and in the general opinion of his countrymen. The exercise of those qualities on the part of the chairman, and the sensible and conciliatory tone of Mr Ritchie in his conduct of the measure, have secured the passage of the Local Government Bill through the House of Commons, and thus enabled Lord Salisbury's Government to fulfil the larger part of their legislative promises at the commencement of the session. It will probably be doubted by those who are most conversant with the management of county business, whether the handing over of responsibilities and powers in this respect of even a larger amount than those hitherto exercised by the magisterial body to a representative council will be attended by that increased efficiency and economy which are fondly expected by the more ardent advocates of the change. It is, indeed, somewhat remarkable that the county magistrates have been almost universally approved and lauded for their management in the past, and especial care seems to have been taken to make it known that no laches or shortcomings on their part have created the necessity for change. That necessity, however, seems to be generally recognised; and whether it be on account of that intangible and indescribable cause of action which is commonly described as "the spirit of the age," or whether any more rational and coherent cause can be found, certain it is that both political parties have agreed that the change had to be made, and the only work of Parliament has been to effect it in the best and most acceptable manner. Time alone can show whether this task has been satisfactorily accomplished, but both Government and Opposition (with a few notable exceptions among the latter) may be congratulated upon the absence of party spirit and the desire to improve the measure which have upon the whole characterised the debates upon a subject of such great importance to the country. It is creditable to all parties that the Local Government Bill has been carried to a stage which renders its passing during the present session, a matter of certainty; but the chief praise must of course be given to the Government, which has steadily pressed it forward even at the risk of the loss of other important measures. It is, moreover, satisfactory to reflect that this is not the only bill of importance which will have been passed by Lord Salisbury's Government this year. There is every prospect that the measures which have been considered by the Grand Committees upon Law and Trade will receive the sanction of Parliament; and although members of both Houses will regret the necessity of an autumn session, they will be rewarded for such a sacrifice of