There was a discreditable debate in the House of Commons
on Saturday. Mr. Laboachere, during a discussion on Supply, suddenly made a speech attacking the whole policy of the Government in Egypt as "a policy of grab," and moved that "the necessity for the great loss of British and Arab life occasioned by the military operations had not been made apparent." That was, of course, a direct vote of "No con- fidence," and was supported by Mr. Richard from the point of view of the Peace Society; but the Tories, instead of resisting it, as on their professed policy they were bound to do, accepted it, Sir Stafford Northcote basing his vote on the refusal of information to the House. The Ministers were holding a Cabinet Council, but, of coarse, they came down ; and Lord Hartington and Sir Charles Dilke spoke at length, Lord Hartington absolutely refusing to give information injurious to the public service, and Sir Charles Dilke warning the Tories that if there were a Dissolution, it would not be on the Egyptian Question, but on their obstruction of the public service. Mr. Labouchere, however, hoping for a snapped victory, persevered, but on the division the numbers proved to be against his amendment, by 111 to 94. As the Tories have had their field-day already, there can be no doubt that the debate was a trick, arranged to snatch a majority on a Saturday when Liberals were away, and so force the Government either to resign or dissolve. If the constituencies do not object to such conduct, it is useless to protest ; but every Radical who lent himself to the trick ought to be regarded as having forfeited the confidence of the party. Even if they blame the hesitation of the Government as regards Egypt, decent Liberals do not desire to see Lord Salisbury juggled into power.
