Mr.Asquith was able to show that he had done no more than he was compelled to do by the obligations of his office; and entirely repudiated any idea of allowing the forces of the Empire to be ranged on the one side or the other.

Mr.Mundella was able to make a good defence of his officials against the charge which had been brought by Mr.Wilson.There was a good speech from John Burns, and it looked as if not another sympathetic word was going to be said for those starving men and women, who are making so heroic a fight for the right to live.

Altogether, the situation was awkward and even distressing.

The House, divided between the desire to remain neutral and to be sympathetic, was puzzled, constrained, and silent.

It was at this moment that Mr.Lockwood made a most welcome and appropriate intervention.