Sir Michael's declaration that he was not aware that the
Parnellites had obstructed, shows, as a good many other incidental remarks of the Tory leaders show, how anxious they still are to conciliate Mr. Parnell. Of course the Parnellites never obstructed after their friends came into power ; but in earlier days the Parnellite obstruction was scientific enough. It is not very wise in the Tories to throw cold water, as they do, on the Reform of Procedure in the House of Com- mons. Sir Michael's own opponent in West Bristol, Mr. Brineley Nixon, is winning there great popular support,—very enthusiastic support,—and there is no point on which he hae insisted, on which he has obtained a more cordial and con- stant display of enthusiasm than on the necessity of making the will of the House of Commons efficient, and restoring to the Assembly its old legislative prestige.
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