5 FEBRUARY 1910, Page 1

The first fact that 'strikes one in these figures is

that the ' present Government can only command a majority of the House if it can count upon the support of the Labour Members and the Nationalists. How far is it able to do this? . That it can do so in regard to an isolated vote upon the House

• of Lords is clear. But between a majority on a single - question and the steady majorities which are needed to keep -a Government in power there is a very great difference. - Certainly, the Independent Nationalists are not to be reckoned upon as forming part of such a majority. On the contrary, if • we are to judge by their account of themselves, they must be regarded as -distinctly in opposition, though, on the other - hand, they Must in no sense be taken as capable of forming any kind of alliance or working understanding with the ;Unionists, whom . they unquestionably hate even worse than . they hate the Liberals. •