The chief feature of the banquet in the evening was
a bril-
liant speech of the Duke of Argyll's, who remarked on the wise determination of Italy, composed of separate &tellies as it was, to have nothing to do with Federalism ; and quizzed the Liberals rather well on their changing opinions. He said that it was just as useful to taunt the Liberals with their inconsistencies as the chameleons in the Zoological Gardens with their changing colours. The chameleons would reply that it was their proper busi- ness to change colour, and the Liberals, if they were frank, would make the same retort. The Duke enlarged on the enormous ser- vices which Irishmen had rendered to the British Parliament, and on the enormous services which they would continue to render to it, if once we could get rid of the kind of Irish repre- sentative who denounces as a ruffian any one who resists the National League. And he ended with a splendid pero- ration, giving his own interpretation to the prayer, "God save Ireland,"—from the lawless men who deprive the poor of their liberty and their life ; from Membera of Parliament who denounce courageous resistance to the National League as ruffianism ; from statesmen who make Ireland the game of party politics ; and, lastly, said the Duke, "God save Ireland to continue as she has been now for many years, an integral part of that United Kingdom which promises to all her citizens perfect freedom and liberty of action."
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