13 SEPTEMBER 1879, Page 3

Sir Stafford Northeote on Monday made a somewhat spirit- less

speech at Exeter. He was introducing his sou to the -electors, but the remembrance of Major Cavagnari's fate weighed upon his spirits. We have noticed his speech suffi- ,ciently elsewhere, but may add here that he deprecated the notion -that Obstruction is altogether Irish work. There are men who sit for important English constituencies who secretly, and some- times more than secretly, favour obstruction. He was opposed to violent measures, believing that it was essential to protect the rights of minorities, and that if the House were in earnest in putting down obstruction, it could do so. He believed these difficulties were temporary, and would pass away. Sir Stafford might have added that one of the difficulties is a Government, which, as it wishes to do nothing, and does not wish to say so, does not regard obstruction with such a feeling of despairing irritation as a working MinistrY might. Mr. Parnell cannot ' obstruct " the despatch of Missions to Cabul.