SIR EDWARD GREY IN A LION'S DEN.

Evening Star, Issue 14931, 18 July 1912, Page 4

SIR EDWARD GREY IN A LION'S DEN.

Sir Edward Grey was represented as a Daniel in the lions' den by means of a sketch on the menu of a dinner recently given in his honor by the Parliamentary l-rtss Gallery. Someone iiad asked him (said Sir Edward in his speech) whether he was called Daniel on that occasion because he had come to deliver judgment. It was not recorded that Daniel even ventured on a judgment in the lions' den. He (the speaker) would, however, like to ask some questions. He would like to know: Who in their opinion was really the best speaker in the House of Commons, and who was the speaker they best liked? —not necessarily the same question. Who was the best-tempered man in the Commons? Wiio was the man with whom one should pair. Had they any suggestion for the shortening of speeches? Hud they any reason, personal or otherwise why the speeches should bo shorter than they were? Each question was greeted with a peal of laughter. Sir Edward went on to say that he agreed that, for him to be interesting he 1 ought to epe-ak upon foreign affairs. (Laughter.) Of course, foreign affairs had their tragic side, their 6erious side, and also they had their comic side. If lie were to make- a comic speech about them — (laughter)—well, there was plenty of time for him to get away by one of the north country trams before the most enterprising paper "had the speech Jarnched upon the public, but the difficulty would be to get | back again. (Laughter.) I In closing, Sir Edward Grey spoke ot I tho co-operation for the public weal Iwtween I the Press and public men. Both wore trvin<* to mould public opinion m what | they considered the best way ior the counI'try. ___