The degree of honorary LL.D. was conferred on Mr. Chamberlain
in the Examination Hall of Trinity College, Dublin, on Monday. Dr. Tyrrell, the Public Orator, in introducing Mr. Chamberlain in the customary Latin speeoh, dwelt with much felicity of phrase on his early distinction in municipal politics, his zeal for higher education, his ability as a speaker, his patriotism, and his " mira fortitudo et secure constantia." On leaving the Hall, Mr. Chamberlain yielded to the demand of the undergraduates for a speech, in which, after a dignified defence of his decision to fulfil his engage- ment in Dublin, and a feeling reference to Lord Roberts, he begged them, in the interests of patience and toleration, to reflect that it is conceivably possible that a man may differ from you in political opinion, and yet not be hopelessly depraved. In the evening Mr. Chamberlain dined with the Provost and Fellows, and in replying to the toast of the evening, repudiated the insinuation that his visit had any occult political design. Speaking of the sacrifices made by a public man, he said : " A public man must be clothed in more than triple brass if he is able to remain unmoved in the face of attacks, not only against his public life, but against his private honour and his private character." He would say nothing about the causes or even:the justice of the war, but preferred to point to the equal gallantry displayed by the Irish, English, and Scotch in maintaining the honour of the flag.
Previous page
