If we were
to proceed today with the first order on the paper we should inevitably,
unless the debate was conducted with an artificial tone, be involved in
acute controversy in regard to domestic differences whose importance to
ourselves no one here in any quarter of the House is disposed to
disparage or to belittle. I need not say more than that such a use of
our time at such a moment might have injurious, and lastingly injurious,
effects on the international situation. I have had the advantage of
consultation with the leader of the Opposition, who, I know, shares to
the full the view which I have expressed. We shall therefore propose to
put off for the present the consideration of the second reading of the
amending bill--of course, without prejudice to its future--in the hope
that by a postponement of the discussion the patriotism of all parties
will contribute what lies in our power, if not to avert at least to
circumscribe the calamities which threaten the world. In the meantime
the business which we shall take will be confined to necessary matters
which will not be of a controversial character.
* * * * *
OPPOSITION CONCURS.
Assent of Bonar Law, Leader of the British Opposition, and of Sir
Edward Carson, July 30.
Pages:
208
209
210
211
212
213
214
215
216
217
218
219
220
221
222
223
224
225
226
227
228
229
230
231
232