The Week at Westminster T HE past week has seen the
conclusion of the general -I- debate on the Budget, the beginning of the detailed discussion of individual taxes, and the mutterings of a com- ing storm on the work of the Tariff Committee. Mr. Churchill's speech during the general debate showed that he has recovered his spirits if not his position. • He ticked out witticisms, sarcasms, and rhetorical corusca- tions like a taximeter clock—if the simile be not too pain- ful—and undoubtedly impressed the young men. His speech was, as always, an attractive Parliamentary performance, but it was devoid of constructive suggestions; and his point that capital reserves should be raided to pay for a reduction of the beer duty showed that the old Adam was still lively. Mr. Chamberlain in his final reply made this retort, and also dispelled Mr. Churchill's insinuation that the character of the Budget was the result of compromise in the Cabinet. As for Mr. Churchill's onslaught on Lord Snowden, he appeared to have forgotten that there should be more joy over the one sinner who repcnteth than over the ninety and .nine just men who need no repentance ; and besides any forgetfulness of Churchillian finance which Mr. Churchill's present speeches may engender can be only temporary.
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