If we'd only been generous, we ought
to have gratified their desire long ago. I don't wish to touch on
controversial matters, but I must say if the Government, of which
my noble friend was an ornament, had, when in office, only ceded
Heligoland to Germany, they would have deserved well of their country,
and might have been assured of the enthusiastic support of noble Lords
on this side of the House, and of the Party of which my nephew is
a Leader in another place. It is impossible for me, without making
your Lordships late for dinner, a crime from which I trust to hold
my conscience free, fully to set forth the universal advantage that
arises from this stroke of policy. It pleases everybody, especially
the Heligolanders."
ROSEBERY persistent; wants to know what means were taken to obtain
the opinion of the population, and elicit this paean of joy?
"Oh!" said the MARKISS, "obviously, they are documents of a
confidential nature."
[Illustration: The Exile from Erin. (Just arrived in Holyhead.)]
"Confidential with the population?" asks GRANVILLE, in softest tones,
with bewitching smile, and most deferential manner.
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