On Thursday night in the House of Commons Mr. Lloyd
George moved a resolution in favour of the payment of Members. He recapitulated the main arguments, pointing out that the Government were reverting to an old custom, and laying stress upon the fact that in the last two generations the work of Parliament had become infinitelz harder. It was desirable to remove all restrictions upon a political career, and to permit the Labour Members to represent constituencies and not special organizations. He intimated that the Government could make no exception with regard to the Irish Members. Mr. Lee stated the case against the motion most effectively. He said he could not recall any more repellent and humiliating spec- tacle than that of the House of Commons, the very day after it had taken into its own hands by force the supreme and exclusive control of the nation's finances, proceeding at once and without a decent interval to help itself out of the pockets of the taxpayers. With that view we are in the strongest sympathy. The House of Commons has greatly lowered itself by becoming a paid body, and must suffer greatly in public estimation. We have never recorded a public event with a deeper sense of regret and anxiety. It well nigh eclipses our satisfaction at the triumph of reason and good sense in the Lcrds. In the division that followed the resolution was carried by a majority of 98 (256-158).
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