But there was even better to come.

Mr.Harrington's accuracy and veracity as to Mr.Chamberlain's dealings with the Irish members had been challenged, as I have said, by Mr.Chamberlain, and he now rose to read the historic letter of Mr.Duignan, which, he claimed, justified his account.

Several attempts were made to stop Mr.Harrington, and the Tories during this were decidedly annoyed and embarrassed because Mr.Chamberlain happened not to be in his place.

But doggedly and persistently Mr.Harrington held to his ground, and at last the Speaker allowed him to read the letter.

The reading of the letter led to various scenes, because it was one of those balanced utterances in which Mr.Chamberlain used to try to hold one foot in the Unionist and to place the other in the Home Rule camp.