Page:The World's Famous Orations Volume 5.djvu/288

 THE WORLDS FAMOUS ORATIONS

are disposed to be critics of the present House of Commons might well consider whether, if they turned out the 670 evil spirits there now, they might not have 670 still more evil spirits in their places.

The present parliament is, I believe, more in- tent upon what is called "social reform" than any other class of subjects — and quite rightly. I am not going to dwell upon those topics; I agree with the most advanced upon nearly all — >■ in fact, upon all — those subjects, whether of land, or liquor, or housing reform. We all know perfectly well what are the necessities of our country, and where the shoe pinches. But I wish to suggest to those who hold reforming views that they must not confine themselves simply to one of those questions, or even to all of those questions put together.

They must remember that this country is part of a very great empire, with dangerous foreign relations, and unless we can come to a sound view with regard to what is called Imperialism, and in regard to foreign relations, we shall have to whistle for social reform.

For that reason I am glad so much attention has of late been concentrated upon his majesty's dominions across the sea. I do not in the least agree with the point of view which has been so pushed by the late -government, and which I believed has resulted in immense trouble and immense loss. But it is most important for us to see clearly, and to make up our minds in 248

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