It was hardly on moral grounds, however, that Mr. JoneS
protested, for with engagingly frank cynicism he declared that he believed in the principle of " the spoils to the victors." " We claim the right to make the appointments," he said, " and I am one of the we.' " We are reminded of Lord Palmerston's answer to a political supporter who was asking that a certain office of emolument should be given to one of his friends. The politician spoke deprecatingly, being conscious that some lip-service was due to the principle that appoint- ments should be for Merit only. " I ask no favours," he said, " I only ask that, ceteris paribus, my friend should get the job." " Ceteris paribus' be damned ! " ex- claimed Palmerston, " your friend shall have it." Mr. Baldwin, at all events, withdrew his motion, and the House humanely adjourned before dinner in order that the Speaker might leave the Chair.
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