The Sun.
London, England, 1867-12-06 00:00:00

LONDON, FRIDAY, DEC. 6, 1867.

Every one is sure to take an interest in the Cab
question, and therefore the remarks that Lord DERBY
made in the House of Lords last night will attract
some considerable degree of attention. From all
that has passed, it would seem that the recent
changes were made too hastily, and without due
regard to the convenience of those most affected by
them ; but at the same time nothing can excuse the
originators and promoters of the strike. Such ex-
treme condue,t can never really advance any cause,
and only shows the folly of those who pursue it. On
the w hole, we think that the Government has done the
best that could be done under the circumstances,
and acted with discretion and judgment. Their
lordships last night went into committee on the
Metropolitan Streets Act, and Lord DERBY moved
a new clause to give effect to the understanding
which had been come to the day before between the
Government and the cab proprietors. The effect of
this change was to deprive the Commissioner of Police
of the discretionary power that had been vested in
hint by the act of last session, respecting fixing the
lamps upon cabs. This part of the arrangement, it
will be remembered, gave great dissatisfaction ; and
it is well that it should have been altered. In conse-
quence of the new plan that has been decided upon,
the Home Secretary will have to give his assent to
these regulations, or else they will lose their vali-
dity. Lord DERBY put the case very truly, when
he said that it was a matter of regret that cab pro-
prietors and cab-drivers should have taken the
course they did, but at the same time the
meeting which they held was characterised
by great moderation, and subsequently when
the deputation waited upon the Home Secretary
they explained their grievances, which seemed re-
mediable ones. In addition to the very heavy duties
they now bear they were to endure the furthe r
burden of finding lights at their own expense. In
consequence of the last arrangement made, the
Home Secretary will have ample opportunity to
investigate the subject for himself. The noble lord
added that, when Parliament met again, he be-
lieved that Mr. ILuwv would move for the
appointment of a Select Committee to in-
vestigate the whole case of the cab-
drivers and cab-proprietors of the metropolis.
This is altogether as satisfactory a conclusion to
this awkward affair as can be desired, and we hope
that, in consequence of this wise decision, the
public will feel confidence in the settlement come
to. It is always difficult, in making those changes,
to arrive at the juste milieu between oppression to
individuals and injury to the general community.
if this desideratum be achieved on the present
occasion people can afford to allow the contretemps
of last Tuesday to be forgotten, but it is an expe-
riment that cannot with safety be repeated.

In the House of Lords last night Lord DERBY
moved that their lordships should agree in the Re-
solution communicated by the other House on the
subject of the Abyssinian War, and the charges re-
lating to the expedition. The noble lord made some
impressive remarks upon the subject, and paid a
just tribute to the manner in which Mr. GLAD-
STONE hail supported the Government in the
other House. As might have been expected
the Resolution was agreed to unanimously,
though some noble lords indulged in rather gloomy
prognostications on the matter. Lord RUSSELL,
we are glad to see, acted with becoming spirit, and
declared that Parliament was bound to support the
Ministry in their arduous undertaking, which they
had carried on with proper judgment. Lord DERBY
speedily disposed of the objections raised by
Lord ELLENBOROUGII, and declared that he
had given too sombre a description of the diffi-
culties of the affair. In connection with this sub-
ject we may refer to a letter just received
by Sir STAFFORD NORTHCOTE from Colonel MmuE-
WETIIER, which is of great interest and importance.
In this communication the Colonel observes that
they have just returned from a reconnaissance up
the pass from Koomoglee. There are some bad
places in this part, but the road has been made now
by the sappers easy for passage of " cavalry, in-
fantry, mules, and camels ; and it will, I think,
prove the chief line of route as leading
at once to a goo:i quarter in the high-
lands of Abyssinia, in the direction we have to
go, and to a spot within easy reach." This is satis-
factory so far as it goes, as it shows that the diffi-
culties which some made so much of can be got
over by skill and good management. Furthermore,
the Colonel adds that the troops which have landed
are in excellent health and spirits. The disease that
broke out among the horses of the 3d Light Cavalry
is disappearing, and it originated from the effects
of the sea voyage from India, and being " cooped-
up" on board ship. Colonel MEREWETHER antici-
pates the best results from the excellent proclama-
tion of Sir R. NATTER ; and, on the whole, we may
feel assured that all is going on prosperously with
respect to the undertaking, which conc2rns so
d :eply the interests of the country.

The first skirmish of the Abyssinian war has
taken place, not on the African plains, but in the
House of Commons. Charge and countercharge,
recrimination, attack, defence, and general :excite-
ment, last evening, took the place of the unanimity
and calmness which characterised the earlier dis-
cussions on the war. The real work of the
autumnal session was, notwithstanding, pretty wel
concluded in the course of the evening; and a little
good news from Colonel MEREWETHER will be the
best answer to all the complaints, anticipa-
tions, and remonstrances male so late in
the day. It was quite as well, however,
that Air. Wiu should have taken the op-