Mr. Asquith, who spoke first on Tuesday, defended the action
of the Opposition on the grounds that they would have been abdicating the functions which it was the primary function of the Opposition to discharge had they not raised this debate, contrasted the irreconcilable apologetics of Lord Salisbury and Mr. Balfour, and declared that it was a melancholy thing when the Prime Minister and the Constitution fell out with one another. As to the war, he affirmed, first, that it was neither in- tended nor desired by the Government of Great Britain, and second, that it might and could have been avoided by Presi- dent Kruger. He further acquitted the Government of carry- ing on negotiations as a mere cloak to conceal the ulterior, though unavowed, purpose of sapping the independence and paving the way for the annexation of the Transvaal ; nor did be believe that they had allowed themselves to become the tools or dupes of a gang of interested speculators. Mr. Elliot in a manly and sensible speech which showed both statesmanship and independence of view laid stress on the necessity of a complete and thorough victory; while Messrs. Lloyd George and John Barns violently denounced the immorality of the war. We especially regret the heated personal attack made by Mr. Burns on Mr. Monypenny, now serving in the Imperial Light Horse at Ladysmith. Mr. Monypenny's personal integrity is above reproach, and his bravery was shown by the part be took in the battle of Glencoe. We admire and respect Mr. Burns from many points of view and believe that his influence in politics has been distinctly good and worthy, but many more speeches so violent and so unfair would irretrievably ruin that influence.
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