On Tuesday, the opportunity of Mr. Labouchere arrived. Lord Randolph
Churchill had commented on Lord Rosebery's admission, and Mr. John Morley had tried to explain it away by saying that Lord Rosebery only meant that it was no use passing Home-rule Bills in the House of Commons to be rejected in the Lords, until further progress had been made in converting the English people. But that is just what Mr. Red- mond regards as insulting to Ireland. He made a flaming speech against Lord Rosebery's idea of ".predominant partnership." If Lord Rosebery were right, then the House of Lords were right in rejecting the Home-rule Bill till England had been converted. The notion of Ireland waiting quietly while English reform measures are debated, and being told mean- while to be on her good behaviour, in which case she should be rewarded like a good child, infuriated Mt. Redmond; and the Anti-Parnellites did not dare to oppose him. So when Mr. Labouchere proposed his amendment to the Address, praying the Queen to take measures that non-elected Peers should no longer have the power of stopping Bills passed by the representatives of the people, the Irish Members seized the occasion to vote with him, and to vote during the dinner- hour, when no such snap-vote was expected. The Govern- ment were defeated by a majority of 2 (147 to 145), in a House, counting the Whips and the Deputy-Speaker, of 297 Members.
Previous page
