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The ill success of the Victorian Government with the KELLY gang is a public misfortune, and not less the inability to sheet home to the sympathisers the proof of their guilt. These men were remanded from time to time, the Inspector of Police stating that he had evidence against them, although he could not tender it as some of his men were away on duty, and other of his wit- nesses were afraid to give evidence whilst the gang remained at large. Thus things went on week after week, and month after month, until the Police Magistrate, not seeing any probability of a conviction being obtained in any reasonable period of time, held that he was not justified in detaining them in prison any longer on mere remand, and discharged them. It is to be presumed that he did not take such an important step without taking the best advice he could obtain. The gravity of the issue can hardly be overstated.