The attack made on the Naval Defence Bill on Monday,
after one of the obstructive debates raised by a motion for adjournment on the Falcarragh evictions, collapsed on Tuesday night, when the second reading was carried by a majority of 141 (277 to 136). The Opposition left the duty of attacking the Bill to Mr. Labouchere and Sir Wilfrid Lawson, faintly supported by Mr. Shaw-Lefevre; and, of course, an attack so led was hardly intended to be successful. Besides, the assault from the side of those who thought the plan of Naval Defence too niggardly, was decidedly more effective than the assault from the side of those who thought it too extravagant, and Lord Charles Beresford, therefore, though he seemed to be censuring the Government, was really annihilating its worst foes. Mr. Labouchere contended that the naval ideal of the Government is far too ambitious, and that we have no right to aim at having a Navy which shall be as strong as that of the two strongest of the other. Naval Powers in com- bination. That is just the line which a Parliamentary orator should take up who wants to be defeated by a majority of 141.
Previous page
