It would not be easy for any Minister, pressed by the political exigencies of the hour, to submit, even for formal approval, to a sovereign who has only the national interest to think of, perhaps most difficult of all to a high-minded and clear-headed woman, a course of action that was dishonourable or mean.
However important the influence of the Crown and the functions of a Second Chamber may be, it is the House of Commons which is the corner-stone of the Constitution.

Through it the will of the nation must be expressed, and embodied in definite action.

The representatives in that House are those chosen by the nation by regular and legal methods to exercise their judgment, to enact laws, and to control acts of the executive.

It is essential not only to maintain, but to restore the position of the House of Commons, and insure for it the respect and confidence of the people.

It is impossible to deny that respect and confidence have been shaken, and that the position of the House is threatened from two opposite quarters.