25 FEBRUARY 1888, Page 2

Sir William Harcourt's speech was one long crow over the

Southwark election,—the news of which was received in the House while Mr. Goschen was speaking,—and one long-con- tinued panegyric of the Parnellites, and especially of Mr. O'Brien, concluding with a tremendous panegyric on "the great and immortal speech" of Mr. Gladstone. Great, Mr. Gladstone's speech undoubtedly was. Perhaps, if it should prove immortal, the immortality will hardly be of the kind which its distinguished author will enjoy. One does not love immortal memories in which there is a sting, and however sincere and earnest the speech, it is one which we are persuaded will one day breed more bitter regrets than exaltations in the mind of our great orator. The division showed 229 for Mr. Parnell's amendment, and 317 against it ; majority, 88, in a House of 551 Members, including the Speaker and the four tellers.