The time is one of inquiry and scrutiny. Besside the Select Committee of the House of Lords on Poor Relief and concerted action between the Poor Law and Charity in Populous Places, the Select Committee on the 'Sweating' systems has been appointed; and Mr. Charles Booth and his coadjutors have been making a valuable investigation, it may almost be called thefirst scientific investigation, into the Social Condition of the People. Inquiries of this kind are of peculiar importance at the present time, when our municipal institutions are undergoing a lasting change, and so much efforts is being expended on social reform.