I have little doubt that he will be quite equal to any further steps which may be necessary to vindicate the authority of the majority in the House of Commons, and nobody doubts that such further steps may be necessary.  The real and fundamental question—­as I put it over and over again—­is whether the Liberal party and the Liberal majority shall go before the country at the next election with the charge made good against them of lack of will, competence, and energy.  If once that charge can be substantiated, I regard the Liberal cause as lost—­and lost for many a year to come.  Any Government almost is better than a Government which cannot govern; and the sentiment is so universal that I have no doubt the shifting ballast, which decides all elections, would go with a rush to the Tory side, and would enthrone in the place of power a strong Tory majority and an almost omnipotent Tory Government.  The Tories know this, and calculate upon it, and will devote all their energies, therefore to reducing the present House of Commons and the present Ministry to discredited impotence, contemptible paralysis.  Such a conspiracy must be met in the proper manner.  Obstructive debate must be mercilessly closured; old rules must be abandoned without a sigh, and give way to others more adapted to the necessity of the time.  Above all things the House of Lords must be flouted, humiliated, and defied.  It is on the spring-tide of popular democratic and anti-aristocratic passion we shall have to float the next Liberal Government into power.

[Sidenote:  Nepotism in the army.]

When business commenced on August 29th, there was a beggarly array of empty benches.  For some time, the only Tory defenders of the Constitution were the ubiquitous George Christopher Trout Bartley and the valiant Howard Vincent.  Questions showed more inclination than ever to wander into the purely parochial.  Presently Mr. Burnie came along with an inquiry addressed to the War Minister whether it was correct the Duke of Connaught had been appointed to the chief command of the army at Aldershot; and, if so, on what grounds he had been selected for this important position.  Several other vigorous Radicals were on the same scent.  Mr. Campbell-Bannerman said it was quite true the Duke had become Commander-in-Chief.  This was because of his fitness; because he was practically the senior officer available, and because he had gained experience in both regimental and staff duties, having filled with great credit the high office of Commander-in-Chief at Bombay.  Herculean Mr. Allan, of Gateshead, sought for information how many months the Duke of Connaught was absent from his duties when he commanded at Portsmouth.  Young Mr. Dalziel also came forward, wanting to know whether the Duke would receive the salary of a General or a Lieutenant-General.  Mr. A.C.  Morton, who had appropriated for the nonce Mr. T.W.  Russell’s usual seat, was anxious for a further explanation of what was meant by the