It had reference to the dismissal by the firm of the McCorquodales of several trade unionists.

Suffice it to say, that the chief opposition to the claims of Labour came from Sir James Fergusson, whose remarks were ardently cheered by the Tories; and that Sir John Hibbert was finally pressed by Sir Charles Dilke into a promise which binds the Government practically to refuse contracts in future to any firm which acts like the McCorquodales.

It was a great victory for Labour--not the less great because it was all so quietly done.
[Sidenote: A Government defeat.] There was a curious little incident on the following day--nothing less than a defeat of the Government.

It arose on a small local Irish Bill.
Blackrock is a small seaside place just outside Dublin.

The Tories, who occupy a good many of the villas, have kept the whole government of the place in their hands by maintaining a high property qualification for votes for the Town Commissioners.