It was, however, on the following night that the weightiest
speeech in favour of Sir Henry Campbell-Bannerman's amendment was made. Sir William Harcourt expressed his disapproval of the Government's proposals, because, as he contended, they would not increase the reputation and the power of the House. It would seem that he does not realise that lapse of time and change of custom have had their effect, not only on the procedure, but upon the efficiency, of the House, considered as an assembly of businesslike men. The practice of asking questions—often vexatious and obstruc- tive—has grown. Divisions have multiplied, and the time consumed in taking divisions has crippled the House's efficiency. Mr. Balfour, in replying to his critics, devoted himself to destroying individual arguments,—a task which he performed with conspicuous success. "Our whole end has been, not to shield the Government from criticism, but to make this House what it ought to be,—a place where a man anxious to serve his country may do so without those absurd sacrifices which our present Rules inflict." Tuesday's dis- cussion added little that was important either in support or in discredit of the Government's proposals. Mr. Winston Churchill " Hooliganised " on the apology question, but little was said by opponents of the Government scheme that was new or valuable.
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