On Monday the House of Commons continued the report stage
of the Rating Bill, and a number of amendments of a more or less dilatory and obstructive character were brought forward by the Opposition. It soon became evident that the enemies of the Bill were determined if possible to prevent Mr. Balfour getting the Bill reported that night, and accord- ingly the debate soon became a struggle as to whether the Government should or should not have its own way. The result was an all-night sitting, marked by several incidents, but none of a very disorderly character,—a circumstance due to the wonderful mixture of tact and firmness with which the Speaker, who is clearly one of the most efficient of men, con- ducted the business of the sitting. By 8 o'clock, however, on Tuesday morning, the energies of the Opposition were exhausted, and the Bill was reported. The Opposition Press are jubilant at having kept Mr. Balfour and Mr. Chaplin out of bed, but we cannot quite see why. It is curious to note how the impotence of the Opposition takes away all sense of responsibility, and makes them do things they would never dream of doing were their chances of coming back not so entirely remote.
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