Our cause was linked with the whole cause of democracy as against privilege: it was an issue for the whole United Kingdom; and that was never plainer than on this day of July.
English, Scottish and Welsh members hurled interruptions and taunts at each other across the floor of the House, while Irish members sat watching.

Something older and more far-reaching than the opposition to Ireland's demand now was felt itself assailed; and a force in which the Irish movement was only one stream of many swept against it.

Anger in the Tory party was not directed against Ireland's representatives; and an odd chance made this plain.

The fierce scene in the House reached its culmination when Ministers withdrew in a body from the Treasury Bench and the two sides of the House stood up, one cheering, the other hooting, in opposite ranks.

For a moment it seemed as if the affair would come to blows, till Mr.Will Crooks, with a genial inspiration, uplifted his voice in song: "Should auld acquaintance be forgot ?" The tension was relaxed and members moved out in groups--we Irishmen necessarily among the Tories.