The debate was continued on Tuesday, when, among other speeches,
Lord Robert Cecil spoke with much force in favour of the Referendum. Mr. Asquith defended his position with all his customary power. He declared that there had never been the least pledge given by the Government that the reform of the Upper House was to be proceeded with before Home Rule and other important questions, and he pointed out that this fact had been fully recognized by the Opposi-
tion leaders at the last General Election. The Opposition case was summed up with energy by Mr. Boner Law, who emphasized the lesson of the by-elections and challenged the Government to give the whole country an opportunity of expressing its views on their policy. After a reply from the Lord Advocate the House divided, and the amendment was defeated by a majority of 93.
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