In the debate which followed, Mr. Balfour, whose return to
the House was cordially welcomed by both sides, declared that he should not vote against the Government Bill, which contained in substance the recommendations of the Royal Commission. But he strongly protested against the step which the Govermrient proposed to take of amending their measure in accordance with Mr. Hudson's Bill. There had never been an instance in history of a Government which ran away before a shot was fired. After paying a high tribute to the value of the Trade-Unions, be appealed to their leaders to consider whether what they asked for was reasonable. The principle of equal treatment of all classes was vital to the State, and, though he was convinced that the Labour Party only desired equal treatment, he begged them to reconsider their definition of equality. Mr. Balfour's speech, with its studied courtesy, showed a deference to the new party which suggests that he regards them as possible allies. The second reading was agreed to without a division.
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