ased upon these recommendations were presented
to the Commons by Sir M. E. Hicks-Beach and eventually carried by three
hundred and seven to fifty-eight--the latter being composed of Irish
members and Mr. Labouchere. The Chancellor of the Exchequer, in his
introductory speech, referred to the Monarchy as "the most popular of
all our great institutions" and then proceeded to enlarge upon the
situation as follows: "Throughout the Empire there has grown up a
feeling, and I think a very right and proper feeling, of the enormous
importance of the Crown as the main link of the relations with all the
people of which the Empire is composed. Therefore, I think it happened
that, in the brief debate in which this subject was dealt with at the
commencement of the present Session, there was no sign of any difference
of opinion as to the necessity of making a sufficient and adequate
provision for the maintenance of the honour and dignity of the Crown."
He mentioned the fact that the late Sovereign had bequeathed Balmoral
and Osborne House to her successor and that he had to maintain these
residences as well as his old-time home at Sandringham; that King Edward
had no personal fortune and that the late Queen's savings had been
willed to her younger children. He concluded by expressing approval of
the proposals as moderate and fair. Sir Henry Campbell-Bannerman, on
behalf of the Opposition, declared them to be reasonable and added: "I
do not doubt at all that the prevailing desire in this House and in the
country is to see that a provision should be made for maintaining that
state and dignity of the British Crown which shall fittingly represent
the loyal attachment of the people." Mr. J. E. Redmond followed and
declared that not only had the Irish members refused to act upon the
Committee but they would now vote against the Resolutions because of the
unrepealed statute and Declaration regarding Roman Catholicism. Mr.
Labouchere spoke against them at length and was joined in speech and
vote by two Labour members--Messrs. Keir Hardie and Cremer--who, amidst
laughter and interruptions, declared themselves to be republicans and
expressed regret that the working classes liked Royalty.

The next subject discussed in Parliament, as it was also being discussed
throughout British countries generally, was that of the Royal titles. As
they stood when the King ascended the throne the only countries of the
Empire recognized were Great Britain, Irelan