h should be led,
by the representations of political adventurers and brigands and
malcontents, into his present deplorable position of criticising a State
which is his only by adoption, the political conditions of which were as
sound and as free from corporate domination, sir, as those of any State
in the broad Union." (Loud cheers.) This appeal to State pride by Mr.
Botches is a master stroke, and the friends of the champion of the
liberties of the people are beginning (some of them) to be a little
nervous and doubtful.

Following Mr. Botches were wild and scattering speeches from the
back benches--unskillful and pitiable counter-strokes. Where was the
champion? Had he been tampered with overnight, and persuaded of the
futility of rebellion? Persuaded that his head would be more useful on
his own neck in the councils of the nation than on exhibition to the
populace from the point of a pike? It looks, to a calm spectator from
the gallery, as though the rebel forces are growing weaker and more
demoralized every moment. Mr. Redbrook's speech, vehement and honest,
helps a little; people listen to an honest and forceful man, however he
may lack technical knowledge, but the majority of the replies are mere
incoherent denunciations of the Northeastern Railroads.

On the other hand, the astounding discipline amongst the legions of the
Empire excites the admiration and despair even of their enemies; there
is no random fighting here and breaking of ranks to do useless hacking.
A grave farmer with a beard delivers a short and temperate speech (which
he has by heart), mildly inquiring what the State would do without the
Northeastern Railroads; and the very moderation of this query coming
from a plain and hard-headed agriculturist (the boss of Grenville, if
one but knew it!) has a telling effect. And then to cap the climax, to
make the attitude of the rebels even more ridiculous in the minds of
thinking people, Mr. Ridout is given the floor. Skilled in debate when
he chooses to enter it, his knowledge of the law only exceeded by his
knowledge of how it is to be evaded--to Lartius is assigned the task of
following up the rout. And Mr. Crewe has ceased taking notes.

When the House leader and attorney for the Northeastern took his
seat, the victory to all appearances was won. It was a victory
for conservatism and established order against sensationalism and
anarchy--Mr. Ridout had contrived to make that clear without actually
sayi