But, at the same time, the
opportunity was too tempting to be altogether passed without notice. Sir
John Lubbock has taken a prominent part at times in opposing the Home
Rule Bill. Sir John is a most estimable man, has written some very
entertaining books, and in the City has appropriate rank as both an
erudite and a rich banker. But he does not shine in the House of
Commons. His voice is thin and feeble, and his arguments, somehow or
other, always appear wire-drawn. And then the House of Commons is a
place, above all others, where physical qualities go largely towards
making success or failure. A robustious voice and manner are the very
first essentials of Parliamentary success; and no man who is not gifted
with these things has really much right to try Parliamentary life.
However, Sir John Lubbock was not strong enough to withstand the
temptation of making capital out of Irish misfortunes; and he pointed to
the Irish Benches, with their yawning emptiness, as a proof that the
Irish members took no interest whatsoever in the Home Bale Bill.
[Sidenote: Irish objections to divorce.]
Meantime, in the House itself the Home Rule Bill was crawling slowly
along.
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