So numerous were the reports circulated about the possible action
of the Government in regard to the resolution censuring the Houie of Lords, that a meeting of the Liberal party was called on Monday, in -Downing Street. It was attended by 278 Members, to whom Mr. Gladstone explained, in a short speech, that it was indispensable to pass the resolution. The action of the Lords " struck at the very root of the Land Act," which was necessary for the good government of Ireland,—for which, again, the Ministry were responsible. The Government could mot remain responsible without means, and would regard a hostile vote, if that were possible, "not only as involving want of confidence, but as a vote of the strongest possible degrada- tion." We take these strong words from the only full report of the meeting,—one published in the Scotsman. They are omitted in the other reports, probably lest they should help the Government. Different representative men— Mr. Dillwyn as one of the oldest of the old Radical Members, Mr. Givan on behalf of Ulster Liberals, Mr. Richard for Wales, and Sir G. Balfour for Scotland—expressed their full adhesion ; and the meeting then called for Mr. Whitbread, who declared that the Lords "had never committed a greater act of folly," and he should support the Government, not only by his vote, but by abstention from speech-making. Mr. Goschen said nearly
the same thing, and the Members went to the House in high spirits, feeling that the accord of the party had been thoroughly re-established. It might be expedient to hold these meetings a little more frequently.
