The Stourbridge Observer, Cradley Heath, Halesowen & District Chronicle.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1883-08-11 00:00:00

THE DURATION OF PARLIAIVIENTS.

Sir Arthur Hayter fixes the dissolution for the close
of next session; which means that even a member of
the Government does not venture to think it can be
delayed beyond that date (says the St. James's
Gazette). In estimating the average duration of Par-
liaments under the Septennial Act, two periods should
be kept distinct—namely, that from 1715 to 1784, and
that from 1784 to the present time. All the Parlia-
ments of George I. and George IL and the first three
of George 111. died natural deaths. The one which
passed the Septennial Act lasted seven years all but
eleven days; the remainder ran through six ses-
sions apiece at the least, with the exception Of
the second of George 1., the duration of which was
shortened by the King's death. George 111. was the
first Prince of his house who ventured on an appeal
from the representative to the constituent body, his
fourth Parliament basing been dissolved within three
years and five months of its assembling. Since 1784
we have had twenty three Parliaments, exclusive of
the present, the average duration being thus a little
over four years. It is worth noting that the great
Reform Bill has made no perceptible difference in the
averages, or, if any, it has added to the length of Par-
liaments. Between 1784 and 1832, a period a forty-
eight years, there were twelve; between 1832 and
1880, another period of foity.eight years, there were
eleven. The shortest Parliament ever summoned for
a term of seven years met on the 15th of December,
1806, under the anspicen of all tl,o talents; it was
dissolved
,cln the 29th of April 1807—in legs than
tvi*eiity week=. The shortest since the Act of 1832
was the first electA under its provisions. It laked
from the 29th of January, 1833, to the 30th of De-
cember,lB34.

Her Majesty's ehip Canada, with hie Royal High-
BeEB Prince George of Wales on board, arrived at
Halifax on the 2ncl lust,

IMPERIAL PARLIAMENT.

In the HOUSE OF LORDS, Aug. 6, the Marquis of Salisbury
invired whether it was intended to make any Ministerial
statement with reference to Egyptian policy analogous 'o
that made in the other House.
Earl Granville replied that he had no such intention, bnt
that if the tob e marquis desired to raise a debate on the
subject the Government would be happy to meet him.

On the motion for the second reading of the Railway Pas-
sengers Duty. &c., Bill Lnrd Brabourne protested against
provishnis relating to other matters being tacked on to a
measure of taxation.
A brief discussion ensued PS to the powers of their lord-
ships in regard to such Bits, the Lord Chancellor insisting
that the Housa oF Lords could only accept or reject the
measiire as a whole, while the Marquis of Salisbury cited Lord
Lyndhins:s dictum that when the proposed remission of a
tax involved a question of policy in winch their lordships
did not concur they were not bound by the principle which
ordinarily governed their action in regard to Money Bills,
In which view the Earl of Redesdale expressed his con-
currence. '
Eventually the Bill was read a second time. The Trial of
Lunatics Bill passed the same stage; the Merchant Shipping
(Fishing Boats) Bill were read a third time and paused, and
'several other measures were advanced a
Their Lordships rose at six o'clock.

In the 'MUSE OF COMMONS, a new writ was ordered for the
election of a member for the county of Sligo, in the room of
Mr. D. O'Conor, deceasPd.

THE PARCEL POST.

Sir E. Wilmot asked the Postmaster-General how he pro-
poses to accommodate with the parcel post Owe villages
and rural tlistric's where there was no rt. gular post-office,
but only a box let into or fastened to a wall, and opened by
the postman when he called for letters.
Mr. Fawcett said—in answer to the hen member, I may
state that, in villages and rural districts where there is no
regular post-office, it will be necessary for the senders of
parcels to deposit them at the nearest post-office It is
considered that difficulties would arise in the working of the
parcel post if the collection of parcels from other places
than post-offices were authorized.
THE GOVERNMENT POLICY IN EGYPT.

- -
Replying to questions by Mr. J. Morley and Mr. Bourke
as to the withdrawal of our troops from Egypt, Mr. Glad-
stone stated that there was no change in the views of her
Majesty's Government as they had been expressed on various
occasions. The period of six months mentioned by Lord
Elartingtqn as the probable duration of the occupation
was purely conjectural and not in the nature of
an engagement or a positive statement. It was the
hope and intention of the Government that the
endivring results of our intervention in Egypt should not
only secure tranquility for the present, but should avoid
future pecturbation. The deplorable outbreak of cholera
had greatly d'elsyeol the progress of reorganisation in Egypt
and prevented him from being able to anticipate any very
early withdrawal of our troops. It was the desire of the
Government that in leaving Egypt we should leave behind
something more firm and stable than the fabric shich was
overthrown before our intervention ; and they had no
ground whatever to anticipate any unfair, unfriendly, or un-
reasonable opposition to any part of the proceedings vihich
they were taking with a view to the benefit of Egypt.
In answer to a further question by Sir S. Northcote, the
right hon. gentleman cited the declaration of the Govern-
ment that•our troops went to Egypt to accomplish a certain
'work, and remarked that the accomplishment of that work
must be the measure of the time of their remaining there.