the withdrawal of ten clauses and the modification of four more, had received that night a serious check. He compared the proceedings to those during the French Revolution, on the day when the nobles and prelates vied with each other in throwing mitres and coronets to the dust as useless appendages. That day was still called "the day of dupes;" and, remarked Mr. Disraeli, "the same appellation might be applied when referring to the events of that evening. We have had," he continued, "two years of protracted legislation against the Shipowners of England." The course Ministers had pursued during those two years formed no exception to the rash policy which had characterised their proceedings with regard to the agricultural and colonial interests. "Have your deliberations been graver or more thoughtful? This" (holding up the Bill), "this," exclaimed Mr. Disraeli, "is my answer. Ministers acting in this manner," he continued, "did more than injure and destroy the material interests of the nation; they laid the foundation of a stock of political discontent, which would not merely diminish the revenues of the kingdom and the fortunes of its subjects, but would shake the institutions of the country to its centre." After Mr. Gladstone and Mr. Labouchere had spoken in reply, the committee reported progress.
When the committee resumed its sittings on the 26th March, the Retaliatory Clause (19) became a subject of discussion. The several leaders again delivered their opinions on this much-controverted point, the Free-traders wishing to omit the clause altogether; while Mr. G. Sanders intimated an in-
