We have dealt with the general question elsewhere, and can
now only refer very shortly to Mr. Redmond's speech,
which, like that of the leader who follows him, was a speech of fine sentiment and fine promises, and threw no light on the real problem. Mr. Churchill's speech, though a very able piece of Parliamentary oratory, contained in truth nothing but soft words. Mr. William O'Brien, it may be noted, pleaded for a compromise in regard to the two inseparable questions of the House of Lords and Home Rule. Mr. Birrell, who wound up for the Government, harped upon the theme that justice to Ireland could not be done in the House of Commons, which is in reality a general attack on representative government. It is only true in the sense that it is true that justice cannot be done to England in the House of Commons. At eleven o'clock the Prime Minister moved the closure, and the amendment was finally defeated by a majority of 113 (326-213).
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