But fortunately the Home Rule Bill was in committee--and whether men like it or not, it is impossible for them to avoid something like business discussion when a Bill is in committee.

There is the clause under discussion; there are the amendments to it, which stand on the paper; the clause and the amendments have to be spoken to; and it is impossible, within the limits of a discussion so defined, to introduce a subject so extraneous as a domestic difficulty in the Irish ranks.

But, at the same time, the opportunity was too tempting to be altogether passed without notice.

Sir John Lubbock has taken a prominent part at times in opposing the Home Rule Bill.

Sir John is a most estimable man, has written some very entertaining books, and in the City has appropriate rank as both an erudite and a rich banker.