21 OCTOBER 1916, Page 3

Before we leave the debate we must say one word

as to Mr. Duke's speech. It is no secret that Mr. Duke has been looked at askance by Unionists as an innocent and sentimental Englishman likely to be bamboozled and misled by Nationalist humbug and tall talk. We are bound to put on record, however, that his speech was very manly, sensible, and fair. We admit, of course, that speeches are different things from acts, but Mr. Duke's words certainly seemed to ring true.