Sir W. Harcourt made his third speech to his constituents
at Oxford on Monday. He appears to have had for his first object to increase Liberal confidence in Lord Hartington. He bade his party beware of the dealers in programmes, " progratrime " being neither an English word nor an English idea. English leaders have not been of the class which keeps cut-and-dried constitu- tions in a portfolio. The Romans, when in extremities from the attacks of the Carthaginian Hannibal, "did not ask for pro. grammes, but placed their affairs in the hands of a man sprung from a race inveterate for its fidelity to the public cause, courageous in his prudence, wise in his moderation, tenacious in his °purpose-Pi, and Fabius saved Rome." He was- to a" consunimate tactician, he was flouted and thwarte in his policy, and behind his back Varro, a popular General, was urged on to the crowning disaster of Cannw. Sir William advised them,
therefore, not to follow the Varro of to-day, but follow Fabius, and leave him to decide on the moment of attack. That is ingeniously told, though we never heard that the Fabii rose by sequestrating Angara' property, but who is Varro ? Hannibal Disraeli we know, and Harlington Cunctator, but who is Varro ? Is it Mr. Plimsoll ? He certainly made a dash on the Carthaginians, but then be has not arrived at his Canine yet, and probably will never get there. At all events, he is the only Liberal we know of just now with pluck enough left for a Parliamentary charge.
