Mr. Dodson is the first Cabinet Minister who has spoken
about the war. He addressed his constituents at Scarborough on Wednesday, and told them that they had fought in Egypt for interests as directly affecting them as if the war had been waged within the boundaries of their own empire. That war had arisen from the policy of the late Government, in sanction- ing the dual Control, and was made inevitable by the rise of a military tyranny which it was indispensable to put down. That had been done, and now, though it was premature to ask the Government their intentions, he could toll them that they intended to restore a Native Government to Egypt, with, so far as the immaturity of the people permitted, popular institutions. He next turned to domestic affairs, and strongly supported the Closure, as essential to the efficiency of the House of Commons. Men said there was no check on the arbitrary closing of debate, but the Speaker's discretion was that check. And they said that the numbers selected to constitute a majority were arbitrary, but that was the inherent quality of all numbers. Forty Members could pass any Act, but thirty-nine could do nothing. Three persons, in law, made a mob. A lad the day before he was twenty-ono was powerless, but on that day he Became master of himself and his property. Mr. Dodson hinted, however, that while the two-thirds compromise was withdrawn, the road to other amendments was still left open, both to Government and its opponents.
