There may be defects in the Bill; I do not say there are not. Like most pieces of parliamentary legislation it is bungling enough, and the convenient latitude attached to the definition of the word “traveller” may rob it of almost all its beneficial effects. That it may also create occasional inconvenience I freely admit, but the case at present is all in its favour; the protest raised against it is the same. But the publicans oppose it. I could understand if the public-houses were altogether closed on Sundays they might say it robbed the public of reasonable refreshment; but they have no pretext of the kind, and their opposition is now, I take it, the strongest argument in favour of the Bill. It is clear, now, why they oppose it; it is not the benefit of the public they seek so much as their own. It is the drinking beyond what is reasonable,—the intoxication of the working classes on the Sunday night,—the repetition of the scenes which have already brought such disgrace on the land, and such misery on our homes, for which they fight. For these reasons they denounce the Bill. For these reasons every well-wisher to his country, every sober man and woman, should give the Bill their hearty support, taking it for good as far as it goes, and seeking, if any change be made, that the change be one which the publicans shall like even less. We are told there is to be a contest; we are told the publicans will not let well alone; we are told next session they will agitate for the removal of this “unjust and iniquitous law.” Let them do so; it will be the worst day’s work for them they ever did. Let them do so, and an agitation will be begun, and a public sentiment will be created, and an array of facts shall be turned against them, as shall shake their trade to its very base. Wisdom would counsel them silence. Wisdom would recommend them not to call public attention to their craft—as they will not follow her guidance,—as they find fault with the Committee and the _Advertiser_, which accepted the Bill rather than see one more stringent passed, the masses can await with confidence the result. The middle classes of this country know the horror of Sabbath drinking too well, the poor of this country know it too well; neither are to be cajoled by a pretence, on the part of the publicans, to advocate their interests or uphold their rights. It is a question of the public on one side and the publicans on the other. The agitation against the Bill is the most shameless, selfish, dishonest agitation ever begun in this country. I know not if it will be continued much longer; I know that if it is, it will have most disastrous results, so far as the publicans are concerned. If even Disraeli will refuse to make political capital out of them, notwithstanding their urgent request to the contrary, they must be in a doleful plight. Their cause must be bad indeed. Their battle must be lost almost before it be begun.