Mr. Balfour has been accused of great harshness, and even
unfairness, in his decision ; but we think he was absolutely right in his refusal. Unless Parliament is to become a mere bear-garden, it must be managed through a responsible Leader of the House and a responsible Leader of the Opposition. If the Leader of the Opposition will take the responsibility for a debate, there is a real chance of the time devoted to it not being absolutely wasted. How can there be any such assuance when it is merely asked for by the Irish Members,—men who make it no secret that their desire is to render Parliamentary government impossible by obstruction P The Irish cannot have it both ways. If they were willing to " play the game" fairly, they might reasonably claim to be treated like a true Opposition. When they behave in the way they do, it is absurd for them to demand Parliamentary quarter, and to whine and scream when they are very properly refused it Quarter is for those who fight the battle fairly, not for those who practise Parliamentary brigandage.
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