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For ourselves, we hold that while it was most natural

for Englishmen, with their well-founded belief in the efficacy of liberal institutions and with their desire to stand on friendly terms with Russia, to sign the Address to the Duma when that Address was originally drawn up, altered circumstances made it most inexpedient, in the interests both of Russian freedom and of a good understanding between Russia and Britain, that it should be presented by a deputation. We must therefore most heartily congratulate the Committee on having decided not to send the deputation as soon as its inopportuneness had become obvious. There is no occasion in life when it is more necessary to choose the' opportune moment than when an outsider is tendering advice and sympathy during a domestic quarrel.

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