Mr. Runciman, replying to a question of Mr. Ginnell's in
the Commons on Monday, stated that he had decided to modify the restrictions on the Irish cattle trade in such a way as to afford some relief to exporters and graziers on both sides of the Channel. But he added that in the matter of restriction there must necessarily be some difference between England and Ireland, owing to the differing conditions of the trade in the two countries. Mr. Runciman, we read in the Daily Chronicle, stood Mr. Ginnell's fire with "calm intrepidity." On the other hand, " Mr. Ginnell's remark that the losses of the Irish farmers may prevent them paying their instalments of the land purchase annuity troubled Mr. Barell's soul, but the Chief Secretary could suggest no remedy." It is always satisfactory to hear of Mr. Birrell taking things seriously. Mr. Ginnell is a free lance, but in the past he has exerted considerable influence on the Irish farmers, and in crediting them with a readiness to repudiate their obligations in the green tree of Mr. Birrell's regime, he gives us a useful warning of what may be done in the dry of Home Rule.
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