It was as in one glance all the contrast, the antipathies, the misunderstanding which had separated one type of Irishmen from one type of Englishmen through hundreds of years.
[Sidenote: The bond of the Railway Rates.] These are somewhat remote reflections from the squat figure, the harsh and grating voice, and the commonplace rhetoric of Mr.Bartley--so far can fancy and insight lead one astray in that great stage of Titanic passions which is spread on the floor of the House of Commons.

And what significance of great historic issues and reminiscences there were in the scene were likewise lost on Dr.Hunter.To him the universe at the moment--all the tremendous destinies on the knees of Mr.Gladstone--all the millionfold hopes and hungering longings that were involved--were as nought in comparison with the fact that the motion of Mr.Gladstone deprived him of the opportunity of raising a debate on Railway Rates.
Coldly, calmly, self-confidently, Dr.Hunter attacked the Government in its weakest place, and drove the dagger home through the vulnerable side.

The weakness of the position was this: there was a strong, vehement, and widespread revolt in the House against the exactions of the railway companies.

Liberal members had on the subject exactly the same feelings as Tories; nightly a score of questions were asked on the subject.

Altogether, indignation had broken down party lines, and against the railway companies Liberal and Tory made common cause.
Unfortunately, Dr.Hunter's case had been strengthened by a somewhat weak yielding of Mr.Gladstone to a demand for a day on Bimetallism.
This demand had, it is true, been urged upon him from various parts of the House, including his own, and he seemed to be yielding to a pretty universal demand.