18 NOVEMBER 1905, Page 2

short speech, the chief topical significance of which resided in

his cordial reference to his old friendship with Lord London- derry. That friendship, said Mr. Balfour, had its roots in matters far apart from politics, but had been augmented by their close political and official connection when Lord London- derry was Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland and he himself was his Chief Secretary "in times of great difficulty and great anxiety." "It was not likely," added Mr. Balfour, "that either Lord Londonderry or he would forget the common anxieties which they then went through together, and time, he was convinced, would only strengthen from day to day the sentiment between them that was then engendered." In view of the pointed attack made on Lord Londonderry a week earlier by Mr. Chamberlain, Mr. Balfour's tribute to his colleague naturally attracted considerable attention.