We are glad to record that the persistent rumours that
the South African Committee would not be appointed this Session have come to nothing, though the Irish Members did their best to make them true. On Tuesday night, when the nomina- tion was called, Mr. Healy moved that the number should be seventeen instead of fifteen, because the Irish, though they ought to have had two, had only one Member owing to the action of Mr. Dillon, who let one of his Members be claimed by the Opposition. Mr. Dillon protested against Mr. Healy's, arithmetic, and an amusing scene took place. "Ireland," said Mr. Healy, "is one and indivisible." " That may be the experience of the hon. Member," retorted Mr. Dillon, "but it. is not mine." Mr. Healy's object was, of course, to point out Mr. Dillon's subserviency to the Liberal party, and the criticism was meant for consumption in Ireland. Mr. Cham- berlain most properly refused to allow the Committee to be increased, and he was supported by Sir William Harcourt in insisting that the list agreed on between the Whips, should be adhered to.
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