* * * * There might have been a Labour
majority for Propor- tional Representation in normal circumstances, but there could hardly have been one in circumstances which would have enabled Liberals exultantly to declare that Labour had fearfully obeyed the order " On the knee ! " The arguments for and against Proportional Representation, all of which reappeared in the debate, are so well known that we shall not follow them. Enough to say that Mr. Asquith, who used to be opposed to Proportional Repre- sentation, displayed a convenient enthusiasm for it on this occasion. Mr. Henderson, speaking for the Govern- ment, said that they had decided to leave the decision to a free vote of the House. But even if the Bill was approved that day the Government could not offer any facilities ; nor could they promise to bring in a Bill of their own. In the division 144 voted for the Bill, and 238 against—a hostile majority of 94. Thus the patient Liberal oxen—to employ Mr. Lloyd George's recent metaphor—were led to the slaughter. After all, they had asked for it ; and one can only hope that the methods of slaughter were generally regarded as humane.
Previous page
