government in harmony with that of the parent state. The noble lord's
speech was received with loud cheering, especially on the conservative
side of the house, when he announced the opinion of the government that
the colonies were sources of commercial and political strength, and
ought to be retained. The speech was followed by the proposal of
resolutions in harmony with its statements. A very wide diversity of
opinion was expressed by the house, Mr. Gladstone animadverting with bad
temper upon such portions as did not meet his approbation.

AUSTRALIAN COLONIES' BILL.

On the 18th of February, in pursuance of these resolutions, Lord John
Russell moved "the Australian Colonies' Bill." Mr. Roebuck criticised
the measure in a tone of severity, in which he was followed by other
members, but the second reading was easily carried. On its committal,
considerable opposition was offered, in the form of amendments, to which
the government could not accede. Mr. Roebuck and Sir William Molesworth
led this species of opposition, and neither in a fair or national
spirit. The bill was carried, with some slight modifications; but, upon
bringing up the report, Sir William Molesworth moved the re-committal of
the bill, and was seconded by Mr. Gladstone. The object of Sir William
was to initiate a broad and liberal line of policy in colonial affairs
on principles which, it appeared to the government, would be adverse to
the interests and subversive of the authority of the parent country. Mr.
Gladstone was actuated by sheer party opposition. Only forty-two votes
were found in favour of the re-committal.

Mr. Gladstone then moved an additional clause, giving the Church of
England in the colonies the power of synodical action. The speech of the
honourable member was so thoroughly sectarian as to forbid any chance
of success, as it awakened prejudices in many directions which a more
prudent politician would have endeavoured to allay. The portion of the
house usually known as "Young England," sustained Mr. Gladstone, but the
government opposed him, and the house at large went with it.

On the third reading, Mr. Gladstone made another attempt to oppose
its progress by moving that it be suspended until the opinion of the
colonies could be taken as to its provisions. This motion was plausible,
and this time the obstructor spoke plausibly, concealing the temper
which really pervaded his opposition. Mr. Roebuck seconded it, although
his m