Two gentlemen had certainly resigned their seats in the Government before the House met at four o'clock, and there were rumours abroad that others would do so if the suggested measure should be found really to amount to disestablishment.

The rumours were, of course, worthy of no belief, as the transactions of the Cabinet are of necessity secret.

Lord Drummond at the War Office, and Mr.Boffin from the Board of Trade, did, however, actually resign; and Mr.Boffin's explanations in the House were heard before the debate was resumed.

Mr.Boffin had certainly not joined the present Ministry,--so he said,--with the view of destroying the Church.

He had no other remark to make, and he was sure that the House would appreciate the course which had induced him to seat himself below the gangway.