The reading of the telegrams in the Commons on Monday
giving the news of Lord Methuen's defeat was marked by a very disgraceful incident. A portion of the Irish Members, including (according to some accounts) Mr. Healy, though not the other chief leaders, received the news with cheers and laughter. We are glad to say that the mass of the Liberals, whether Pro-Boers or Imperialists, were disgusted at this exhibition of malig- nity, and great indignation was shown by them in the lobbies. That was right; but if they are wise Sir Henry Campbell-Bannerman and his colleagues will not let the matter rest in a mild. remonstrance. They should make it absolutely clear, to their future, if not present, allies—as the Irish andthe Campbell-Bannermanites both profess Home- rule principles they must look forward to an alliance—that all idea of political co-operation must be abandoned unless the men who cheered the shedding of British blood and the victory of our enemies either express deep regret for their brutal in- solence, or are else formally censured and repudiated by the Nationalist chiefs. If Sir Henry Campbell-Bannerman had. the courage to insist on either an unreserved apology from the culprits, or grave censure and repudiation from their chiefs, he would raise himself greatly in the opinion of the country.
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