The Irish standard., 1911-09-02
luded to his leader to whom he paid

saiG, land we Will follow him to the
end" Against the House of Lords he
held he should be the last person to
say word, but he would say this,
that the House as it existed was the
great obstacle to all their Liberal ef-
forts for legislation (hear, hear). Now
the battle was won.
They had fought hard for victory,
but they had fought fairly, and yet
they had boon blamed, and blamed un.
fairly for, having taken advantage Of
a "young and inexperienced King"
CShame" and laughter). To those
who had dragged in the Kings name
he would say, WAS our advice ten
dered to the Sovereign as his Minis
ters to be referred to a Court Cam
arila, or is it right that it should be
referred to Referendum by Tory
Cebinet?" The Liberal Cabinet, he
proceeded, were wholly and Jointly re-
sponsiblc for that advice mear. hear).
Let them blame the Government pol
.cy il they would, but they must not
contend that Constitutional Sovcr-
cign. who for ten years had careful
training under Edward tho Peace
maker (chcers), who had twice visit
cd his Imperial Dominions, and who
was fortysiN years of age was too
young 0auehtcr), or too incxpericnc-
ed to face a national crisis. Surely
1t was right that the advice Of a Cab
met united, and with a House Of
Commons majority at their back.
should be taken and that a Constitu-
tional Sovereign should act upon that
advica when the necessity arose. The
Liberal Party was strong today be-
cause its members trusted their lead
er qua their chief. They had fought,
and they had won and they would 20
On winning (checrs). Because they
no empty sham, but that the pledge of
IA J" itish Prime Minister was his
word and his bond (cheers).
Mr.. G. Fl. Radrord, M. r., Chairman
Of the Political Committee, proposed
the health of Mr.. Birrell. and
Sir Richard Stapiey seconded.
In reply Mr.. Birrell said they all
felt this was indeed an epoch in the
true meaning Of that sometimes mis-
used word. They were lighting under
new conditions and new hopes, but
they lad great fights in front. Eight
they still must; their swords were
drawn, and they would have many
foes tc pursue and many heads would
have to fall before they entered into
the full fruition of their victories.
Next session we shall have Homo
Rule bill, he declared, and | rejoice
to think that on that occas sion ! shall
be supported by all my colleagues,
whose regular attendance on tho front
E,ench here invite, but although We
shall have the full support of Il united
Cabinet, and have many forces be-
nlTQ us, sui lnc llSll VIII De IL severe
orc, and | call upon you all in this
cab to come to our assistance. to
aid us, and to support us to study the
subject and consider how completely
it had altered in all its circumstances
and surrounding conditions since we
fought the battle unsuccessful In 1888
A great advance has been made in the
whole feeling of Local Government,
aye and of recognizing the rights of
natiOnalities and of individuals to
contribute to q common whole and to
great empire. These ideas did not
occupy the place in mems minds
which, / thank Heaven, they dO now.
Therefore, we must look forward, but
not without your assistance, not with
out your loyal support, not without
your enthusiastic aid Parliament bill
or no Parliament bill, to the one great
victory we think is in front Of us Cloud
| cncers)
Sir Richard Staplcy, having accept
ed On behalf Of the members Of the
Club the gift of Earl Carrington's por-
trait, the proceedings terminated.