Both Mr. Chamberlain and the Chancellor of the Ex- chequer
gave eloquent expression on Wednesday night to their loyal admiration of Mr. Balfour. Mr. Chamberlain, in addressing the Cordwainers' Company, took occasion to say that nothing can be more ungenerous "than to blame the present Leader of the House of Commons as though he were responsible for the faults of a system " which renders th process of legislation so very arduous, and the temper of the Lower House so highly resisting a medium. "No party," he said," could desire, or could have, a leader more skilful in de- bate, more courageous in action, more loyal to his colleagues, more courteous to his opponents, more mindful of the high and honourable traditions of the House of Commons." And on the same evening, speaking to the Bristol, West, Conservative Association, Sir Michael Hicks-Beach delivered himself of similar testimony, ridiculing the legend that Mr. Goscben, Mr. Chamberlain, and himself are all burning with eagerness to secure the succession to Mr. Balfour if any event should cause his retirement, and declaring that "by his abilities, by his eloquence, by his remarkable debating power, by his courage under all circumstances, but perhaps most of all by that magnetic charm of manner and of character which conciliated his opponents and endeared him to his friends, Mr. Balfour was of all men most qualified to lead the House of Commons." These are testimonies which blow to atoms the ridiculous rumours of jealousies in the Cabinet. Mr. Balfour is really the cement of the Adminis- tration.
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