20 FEBRUARY 1909, Page 2

Mr. Redmond during the debate declared that the Nationalists were

quite independent of the Liberal Party, and would take Home-rule from any Government that would grant it. He asked whether the amendment mentioning Ireland was an invitation to his party to vote for Tariff Reform as part of a great constructive policy, including the extension of self- government to Ireland. There were some people who thought that Home-rule would ultimately come from the Unionist Party. He hoped the amendment was an indication of that fact, but in his confused state of mind he should not vote either for or against the amendment. Mr. Hills proclaimed himself a Confederate in a strong Protectionist speech, and Mr. Mallet made a rejoinder in an exceedingly able and cogent exposition of the Free-trade case.