Fisher's responsibility under his own hand, and it was seen
that something would have to be done. Then--and not till then--did Mr.
Fisher speak and make his apology. Mr. Logan--who had very properly
refused to take the initiative--then made a very brief but a very
handsome explanation of what he had done, and after a few lofty words
from Mr. Gladstone and the Speaker the matter was allowed to drop into
the dark abyss of oblivion. But we can't forget it.
[Sidenote: Messrs. McCorquodale & Co.]
On August 3rd there was a most instructive and important little debate
on a Labour question. It had reference to the dismissal by the firm of
the McCorquodales of several trade unionists. Suffice it to say, that
the chief opposition to the claims of Labour came from Sir James
Fergusson, whose remarks were ardently cheered by the Tories; and that
Sir John Hibbert was finally pressed by Sir Charles Dilke into a promise
which binds the Government practically to refuse contracts in future to
any firm which acts like the McCorquodales. It was a great victory for
Labour--not the less great because it was all so quietly done.
[Sidenote: A Government defeat.
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