Gladstone's side. Why were all these lips dumb? It made one almost rage
or weep, to see the uncertain battle thus left unguided and
uncontrolled.
[Sidenote: Mr. Goschen to the rescue.]
At last a saviour, but he came from the ranks of the enemy. Mr. Goschen
swept away the network of cobwebs under which Liberals had hidden the
issues, and boldly declared the real issue. And that issue was, that Mr.
Gladstone wanted time to push forward his Home Rule Bill, and that the
Tory party was determined to prevent him getting that time if they could
manage it. Where be now the hysterics about private members and simple
issues and small questions? The issue lies naked and clear before the
House. But still victory isn't assured. Mr. Goschen with his thick
utterance, his muffled voice, his loss of grip and point, has ceased to
be listened to very attentively in the House of Commons; and this
speech--the most significant yet delivered--passes almost unnoticed,
except by those who know the House of Commons and watch its moods and
every word. The last and decisive word has yet to come.
[Sidenote: Mr. Storey's contribution.]
At the same moment as Mr.
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