Parliament was reopened by the King on Wednesday. His Majesty's
speech was very short, merely pointing out that Parliament had been summoned at this unusual time exclusively to consider the Irish settlement. " It was with heartfelt joy that I learned of the agreement reached." The Prime Minister reviewed at length the history of the negotiations. He said that no agreement had ever been so widely appreciated ; every Ally and every Dominion had sent congratulations. Nevertheless, in some quarters it had been called a humiliation. Dominions, however, were not in the habit of rejoicing over acts of humili- ation to the Empire. The Government, again, had been accused of delay ; it had been said that " Dominion Home Rule " could have been offered at least two years ago. But it was a mistake to suppose that complicated problems were settled by a phrase. Statesmanship consisted in choosing the right moment.
