The debate, which was continued on Thursday, was marked by
a vigorous speech by Mr. Balfour. After declaring that
democratic government was the only form of government under which a community like ours could carry on its work, he showed with great ability how foolish were many of the arguments
used against the hereditary principle. The Opposition wanted a change in the constitution of the House of Lords because recent events had shown that it was not strong enough, as at present constituted, to carry out its funstions. Then followed a remark which led to a scene of some violence. Speaking with
what the reporters call "unwonted passion," Mr. Balfour addressed the Treasury Bench :—
"You are doing what you have no right to do. You are using the power given you by a transfer of relatively few votes at the General Election to make fundamental changes in the Constitution of which you are the guardians, and you openly say that you are going to force these changes on one branch of the Legislature by coercion, as you have imposed them on the country by fraud."
Previous page
