Mr. Goschen spoke at Ripon on Monday, assuming the posi-
tion of an independent supporter of the Government, and warmly defending their Egyptian policy, and their policy in proposing the reform of Procedure in the Commons. He pro- tested with some warmth against the notion that a politician in his position is always desiring to trip up the Government, because on one point he cannot vote with it; and declared that, in his opinion, the Government had acted abroad with great wisdom and vigour in a position of much difficulty. On the subject of Ireland, he echoed Lord Hartington's warning against any con- cession to the demand for Home-rule. The Irish should be made to understand that the unity of the Empire is not to be broken up, and that no party can be found in England and Scotland to concede Home-rule, or to concede what may ultimately be construed to involve Home-rule. He warned the country against " drifting " into Home-rule through despair of any other settlement. Mr. Goschen declared himself still hostile to the extension of the household franchise to the counties, but pro- fessed his willingness, in case Ripon should wish to be repre- sented by a representative favourable to that measure, to resign his seat as soon as the Franchise Bill is brought in,—a tolerably safe, though, we believe, a thoroughly sincere offer. Ripon is not fanatical about the county franchise, especially as Lord Ripon probably cares very little about it.
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