The remainder of the debate, on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday,
was chiefly occupied by a discussion of the licensing clauses. Mr. Courtney, however, urged his pro- posals for proportional representation on the House on Monday, and Mr. Ritchie dealt with some of the objections made to the Bill, and announced one or two minor con- cessions. Sir Wilfrid Lawson's speech on Monday con- demned most emphatically the Government proposals in regard to the liquor traffic. Sir Wilfrid Lawson's humour has of late been somewhat forced. His story, however, of the Yankee politician who, when asked whether he was in favour of the Maine Law, replied, "Yes, I'm in favour of the Maine Law ; but I'm agin' its enforcement," was really excellent. The speech in itself was not persuasive ; Sir Will rid Lawson's talk about recreant Radicals is not the way to rally the whole strength of the Temperance party. Mr. Caine's speech on Tuesday was just as hostile to the Government scheme, but in far better taste, and so far more likely to effect its purpose. It was evident from the tone of the speeches on the Temperance side, that the teetotalers intend to fight the licensing clauses tooth and nail.
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