After dinner an unexpected incident led to the adjourn. went
of the debate, and to the consequent upsetting of the Government's time-table. Mr. Walter Long complained of the absence of the Prime Minister. Mr. Lloyd George explained that Mr. Asquith had an important public engage- ment to dine with the American Ambassador, and Mr. Long replied that but for the explanation he would have moved the
adjournment of the debate. Lord Robert Cecil, however, was less satisfied with the excuse, and moved the adjournment. Mr. Lloyd George charged the Opposition with a lack of generosity, but he confessed that since they persisted he was not in a position to hold out against them. Mr. Bonar Law also swept aside the excuse. A precedent for which there was no parallel was being established, and it was the Prime Minister's duty to be present. The debate was accordingly adjourned amid loud Unionist cheers.
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