oes, to all weaknesses of the flesh, all devices of the enemy.

[Sidenote: Mr. Balfour.]

Mr. Balfour, I have said more than once, does not display his talents
best in Opposition. In his desire to be effective, he strains a not very
strong voice until, it sounds almost like a shriek. I do not wish to be
unfair to Mr. Balfour. There is, as I have often said in these columns,
a certain distinction in all he does. I often think he is wanting in
that consideration and reverence for the mighty old gladiator whom it is
his duty to oppose; but for all this I make allowance, as it is his duty
to oppose Mr. Gladstone, and in doing that, he may sometimes appear
unintentionally irreverent. But the fact is, Mr. Balfour is thin,
narrow, and does not get at the reality of things. Many people say he is
very inferior to Mr. Chamberlain; but most assuredly I do not in the
least agree with this opinion. To me the difference between the two men
is the difference between a scholar and a counter-jumper--I mean a
counter-jumper of the Senate, and not of the shop. But though that is my
opinion, I cannot refrain from saying that Mr. Balfour contrasts very
unfavourably with Mr. Gladstone in this struggle of giants.

[Sidenote: An ugly moment.]

It was during the speech of Mr. Balfour that a little incident took
place, the full significance of which would probably not be grasped by
the non-Parliamentarian. Mr. Balfour was arguing that it was impossible
to properly discuss the amendment of Lord Wolmer until the House knew
whether or not the Irish members were going to be retained in the
Imperial Parliament. I do not know whether it was because there was
something provocative in the manner in which Mr. Balfour referred to
this subject, but it had the effect of rousing the once vulnerable, but
now admirably controlled temper, which has played such a part in Mr.
Gladstone's career. Rising with a certain deepened pallor, and with that
feverish rush in his voice which those who watch him know so well he
said that the Ministry meant to stick by the ninth clause, and would do
their very best to get it accepted by the House. Here was a most
portentous announcement--the portentousness of which the careful
observer could see at once, by the sudden stillness which fell upon the
House. Whenever a Minister, or even a politician of small importance who
is not a Minister, makes a statement full of portentous possibilities as
to the future, the House suddenly