New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1884-04-13

stones absence has affected the House cf Commons
where his authority is almost supreme. Inc meas
ure to which he meant the session TO be devoted
and which he himself introduced in one OF the most
admirable speeches he made, ia once again nc
fore the House. To the last moment the Prime
Minister allowed himself to hope that he should be
in his place to move the second Ieading MOVING
the second reading is not in itself critical process
II is formalty which Lord Harrington success
fully accomplished by the act OF slightly raising his
hat when called on by the Speaker. Mr.. Gladstone
would probably have done no more But not 10
watch the debate not to watch over the bill hour
by hour not to be present not to be there to take
advantage of every mistake OF its opponents not 10
WELD in person in behalf OF a measure so dear 10
him all his uncqualcd influence over the House
this it is which makes Mr.. GlIdsones enforced aD-
scncc a strain upon his patience hardly less IMAM
that which he underwent when he had to see his
colleagues take into their own hands the control of
the Ministerial policy in Egypt. The House misses
him rs il could miss other man or score oil meh'
BE his mistakes what they may, his aScendancy-
personal ntcec 'ual. political, or in whatever way
Won look at him-is such that no man can Gil, or
would pretend to fill, MI. GlLdstones vacant place
II must however. be occupied and Lord HaItDg-
ton is the man on whom this duty devolves.
Lord Hartincton's leadership during Mr.. Glad
stones vacation is interesting thing to study
He is no novice at the business for he had long
practice, not in leading the House but in leading
the then Opposition while Lord Beaconshed was III
power and Mr.. Gladstone IN retirement. AT inter-
walls also since the present Government took office.
Lord Harrington has had 20 assume the rcins in the
House. His political training under Mr.. Gladstone
has left no mark on him. none at any rate, on bis
manner He j. as imperturbablc as Mr. Gladstone
is ilnpuleive The operation of " drawing" Lord
HARRINGTON is one which has long been given over
as hopeless Whether it be Mr. Ashmead- Bartlett
or Lord Randolph Churchill or Mr.. Warton who
leads the assault it is met with the same lndlicr-
ence an indifference which is effective because it Is
50 obviously sincere. 1t is an immense advantage,
this patrclan GOODNESS of temper. In serious bust
ness Lord Harrington has grown to be assidnous'
accurate and vigorous. He is the incarnation OF
cool common sense If anything is wanting. it is a
little more steam. | doubt whether he was ever
able to persuade himself that 1t really mattered
very much whether particular measure was passed
or not passed.
II such a case as that of the Reform Bill the want
of enthusiasm in a leader is = real want. That bill
will never be got through the HOuse,-still less
carried over the heads of the House of Lords
unless by somebody who has set his heart on It, But
Lord harrington is seen at his best IN Egyptian
business The sound of cannon On the shore OF the
Red Sea sets his mind working rs it did Mac
donalis. whom Napoleon said nothing else could
rouse His speeches on Egypt have been admirable
speeches; full Of knowledge. firm in purpose, con
vincng and concating ut the same time. lie has
answered questions on Egypt IN style very differ
ent from Mr. Gladstone's, and must say more IN
unison with the temper Of the House and of the
country as there any further news from General
Gordon ?" auericd some inquisltive nobody yester-
day. No responded Lord lia rtington. The House
h0ned there might he and wanted 10 hear IT, but II
none the less chcercd this curt decIsiyeneSs OF
speech If Egypt TO continue to be the uppcrmoSt
he regretted that the responsibility for II should
main for a while with Lord Harrington.
W g