Before separating for the Easter Recess, yesterday week, Sir Stafford
Northeote made a lively demonstration against the Government, which was supported by the lumbering invective of Mr. Chapliu. The professed occasion or excuse was Mr. Gladstone's refusal to postpone moving the second reading of the Irish Land Bill beyond Monday week, the first night after the adjournment. Sir Stafford Northcote disclaimed any wish to delay the real judgment of the House on the Irish Land Bill, though he avowed his wish for a day or two's delay in commenc- ing that debate, for he hold that a short delay of that kind, by facilitating its private discussion by all sections of the House, would hasten the mature judgment. He took credit to himself for having prevented the declaration of urgency in Committee of Supply some weeks ago, and maintained that the Government had gained immensely instead of losing, by the refusal. He rejoiced that he had lived to see the charges of financial incapa- city which had been levelled against himself, for his own former budgets, virtually abandoned; and that, " like Richard III. in his tomb, he had been rehabilitated." Sir Stafford Northcote's tone was one of highly ironic forbearance.
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