Mr. O'Grady having asked leave to adjourn the House, "in
view of the unsatisfactory nature of the Prime Minister's answer," to discuss the action of the Government in ad- vising the King to pay an official visit to the Emperor of Russia, the Speaker intervened, expressing his opinion that the proper opportunity to raise the question would be on the Motion for the adjournment for the Whitsuntide Recess. We are glad to note the firm line which Mr. Asquith took in deprecating statements such as that made by Mr. O'Grady on the internal condition and policty of foreign nations, and the clearness with which he stated the reasons for which the visit is being made. If the objections to it were acted upon, they would render continuity of diplomatic relations with foreign countries impossible, and -check the growth of international public opinion. There is, besides, every reason to believe that moderate Liberal opinion in Russia is in favour of the visit. That is most natural. If the visit has any influence on Russian internal affairs, it will certainly not be in the wrong direction. Our King is a visible and tangible proof of the wisdom and strength of Liberal and democratic principles applied to government.
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