4 DECEMBER 1909, Page 18

Lord Morley's speech was oratorically a great effort; but we

cannot help thinking that he exaggerates the demora- lising effect of a properly guarded and limited Referendum; that he underestimates the evils of the land clauses of the Budget; and that he greatly overestimates the consequences of rejection. We opposed total rejection as strongly as Lord Morley, though for different reasons, but we cannot regard the situation as in any sense tragic. The country is calm enough, and will remain so, though no doubt the politiciams on both sides will "rage together" like the heathen of old.