In the House of Commons on Thursday Sir Gilbert Parker
moved an amendment regretting that there was no reference in the ICing's Speech to the Congo. Sir Edward Grey replied in a manner which, the Vmss tells us, was regarded as highly satisfactory by those responsible for the Motion. With great gravity Sir Edward Grey declared that we could not countersign a second time the system of administration which had existed in the past. Before the Government took further action, the reply expected from Belgium in about a fortnight would be laid before Parliament. In view of the satisfactory character of this statement, the amendment was withdrawn. For our- selves, we feel bound to say that Sir Edward Grey could not in the circumstances have been expected to say more than he did say, and that the exceedingly sympathetic character of his speech should be welcomed by all those who are anxious to save the natives from the horrors of the rule under which they have suffered.
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