1901]

PROBLEMS OF THE WAR

minds free from bitterness-let us not fight war with the spirit of war. I am here to join hands with anyone who wishes to bring this terrible state of things to an end, who desires that the good government of South Africa under the British flag, that the same sort of government as is possessed by Canada and Australia, should be brought about.

Let us beware of one thing against which I am glad to say one of the Bishops of the Anglican Church has uttered a warning note-that is being led on from point to point until we endorse what at first would have melted our compassion or revolted our conscience. For my own part, never in my political lifetime did a question arise which gave me food for more anxious thought, more heart-searching as to what was my duty. I have never concealed my opinions. In 1900 I laid them before you, and I do not shrink from one word I said then, or from one word I have uttered on this subject during the whole course of the war. There has arisen no greater issue in our day and generation than the question of the South African problem. I stand here steadfast and immovable in the direction in which my face is turned. I am certain that the only true and lasting way in which this problem can be dealt with and settled is on the eternal principles of justice, freedom and humanity.

Keysworth. Nov. 11th, 1901. There are only two roads. There is this hurtful road which occupies the mind of Parliament with territorial extension, foreign complications, wars, militarism, and all that flows from that word. Against that I have always, and shall continue to set my face. The mind of Parliament should be occupied with the matters affecting the welfare of the people of these Islands, and I see some hopeful signs that the people are beginning to think so too. It rests with the electors of the country. The conscience of Rushcliffe is clear. I laid these things in all their length and breadth before you in October, 1900, and the verdict of Rushcliffe was unmistakably

given, and I stand here to-night steadfast and immovable in this respect. I am all for shaping our policy with the main purpose of social amelioration, for the uplifting of the standard of life, and for giving everyone an opportunity of reaching that

standard !

CHAPTER XII

THE AFTERMATH

In the early part of 1902 Ellis's health caused his friends considerable uneasiness, but he was unwilling to relinquish any of his usual work. In January when Parliament opened he was in his place. "Went down and took seat at House of Commons, in old corner," he writes. But all-night sittings and the consequent strain soon had their effect. A severe attack of influenza caused his withdrawal for a time from his parliamentary duties and it was not until April he was able to resume them. . . . "Took old seat. The warm welcome and inquiries from so many friends quite touching." Anxious to make up for lost time he threw himself into his work with all his accustomed vigour. He resumed his place as Chairman of the Grand Committee on Trade, noting (April 24) "finished Shops Billa very unpleasant Committee. Badly drafted Bill, promoters not knowing their own minds." He found time, too, to draft the Report of the London Port and Docks Commission and was rewarded by having the pleasure of securing the unanimity of the commissioners in signing it and thus bringing their labours to a satisfactory conclusion.

At the beginning of June Mr. Balfour made the welcome announcement that Peace had been declared. This and other matters are noted in the diary:

June 2nd. Statement in House as to Peace, a general sense of gladness and thanksgiving.

June 22nd. To St. John's Church, Westminster, in the evening. Curious hesitation in Archdeacon Wilberforce's sermon as to certainty of coronation.

June 23rd. All London alive with preparations for the Coronation festivities, the streets a perfect sight with decorations and crowds pouring through them.

June 24th. Went with May to Westminster to look at the route. Noticed many carriages and much coming and going from Buckingham Palace. To ante-room of Speaker's library about 11.40. Saw Sir Benjamin Stone come out and afterwards heard he had been in to tell the great news. Met two men who told me, "There will be no coronation." Went to lunch not believing or even repeating the story. News confirmed by Gully. After prayers Balfour rose amid solemn silence and announced news of operation having been successfully performed (subdued cheers). The blank dazed feelings on all sides impossible to pourtray. Went home at 5 and sat with my wife on balcony, thinking and talking of one thing only.

June 27th. One of the most remarkable times through which I ever passed. A paralysing sense of impotence and bewilderment. Realisations of the littleness of human arrangements. The general sobriety of the masses of the people-Uncertainty as to the King's state-likelihood of any coronation-all these were elements of the situation.

October 14th. To opening of St. Deiniol's Library, Hawarden. Met A. Morley and travelled together. Special train broke down on bank up to HawardenT. Burt and Lord Brassey in compartment. Proceedings at Hawarden very interesting. Lord Spencer stately as usual. A. Carnegie good so long as he was

1902]

EDUCATION BILL

speaking and not reading-Lord Peel excellent. Bryce most admirable-quite the best. Judge Phillimore polished.

The work of Parliament was largely held over to an autumn session and the "one essential" issue on which the Government had grounded their appeal to the country having been satisfactorily settled two measures dealing with Education and Licensing were introduced.

The paying of the grants to denominational schools out of the rates, instead of from the Imperial taxes as heretofore aroused strong opposition, but this did not prevent the Bill from ultimately becoming law. Some notes from the ever candid diary may suffice for a picture of the autumn session :

October 16th. Down to House taking usual seat. Great muster of supporters of the Government. C-B. not there owing to illness of wife. Irish "loose" and consequent scene. Balfour and the Chair both wanting in parliamentary tact. Said a few words.

October 23rd. A sad letting-down of the Chair by the Speaker. Not strong enough for the elements with which he has to contend.

November 6th. At end of Questions gave notice of motion regarding the improper use of the closure and the resultant infringement of the rights of minorities in debate. Received with great favour on the Liberal benches.

November 10th. In C-B.'s rooms with Harcourt and Bryce as to Closure amendment.

November 11th. Balfour moved his resolution for closuring Education Bill in compartments. Spoke against it. Never felt more freedom and never better listened to.

November 27th. Back to the House where goes on the wearisome operation of the "guillotine" as regards the Education Bill.

November 28th. To House and there until the end of