The confusion of mind from which the Government are suffering
was illustrated by the speech of Lord Crewe in a manner which can only be described as amazing. Lord Crewe began his speech by the following statement :—"I wish to say this quite categorically, that his Majesty's Government are in favour of a bicameral system in this country, not merely because we are convinced that the two-Chamber system is the one that suits this country best, but also for the very good reason that we are convinced the great majority of the in- habitants of this country hold the same view." But Lord Crewe is not only strongly in love with the principle of the Second Chamber. He appears to think that the House of Lords is an ideal Second Chamber. At any rate it is, in his words. "strong and efficient." It does its business well, and its
Members are of the highest distinction. " If strength and efficiency were all you require you may well leave the House alone." Again, in Lord Crewe's belief the hereditary principle is not in the least unpopular in the country. "Quite the contrary."
