I warn the Government
Encyclopedia
I warn the Government is a speech by F.E. Smith, made on 12 March 1906. It was his maiden speech in the British House of Commons
. According to Brian MaCarthur, it was "the most famous (speech) ever made" in the Commons in modern times. The historian Paul Johnson
has described the speech as, "without question the most famous maiden speech in history, quite unprecedented, and never equaled since." Smith used his opportunity as a member of the embattled Tory
opposition of 1906 to decry and assail the government for their heavy-handedness and arrogance after winning a landslide victory in the general election. The speech solidified Smith's reputation as an orator and rising political star, and established him as a major figure within the Conservative Party. His place in party politics thus established, F.E. Smith would go on to hold numerous posts and cabinet positions in the government, culminating in Lord Chancellor
from 1918-1922.
A copy of the speech was included in the following day's Times
, which is archived online.
British House of Commons
The House of Commons is the lower house of the Parliament of the United Kingdom, which also comprises the Sovereign and the House of Lords . Both Commons and Lords meet in the Palace of Westminster. The Commons is a democratically elected body, consisting of 650 members , who are known as Members...
. According to Brian MaCarthur, it was "the most famous (speech) ever made" in the Commons in modern times. The historian Paul Johnson
Paul Johnson
-Sports:*Paul Johnson , head football coach at Georgia Tech*Paul Johnson [1896-1973], Major League outfielder*Paul Johnson , English cricketer*Paul Johnson , English footballer...
has described the speech as, "without question the most famous maiden speech in history, quite unprecedented, and never equaled since." Smith used his opportunity as a member of the embattled Tory
Tory
Toryism is a traditionalist and conservative political philosophy which grew out of the Cavalier faction in the Wars of the Three Kingdoms. It is a prominent ideology in the politics of the United Kingdom, but also features in parts of The Commonwealth, particularly in Canada...
opposition of 1906 to decry and assail the government for their heavy-handedness and arrogance after winning a landslide victory in the general election. The speech solidified Smith's reputation as an orator and rising political star, and established him as a major figure within the Conservative Party. His place in party politics thus established, F.E. Smith would go on to hold numerous posts and cabinet positions in the government, culminating in Lord Chancellor
Lord Chancellor
The Lord High Chancellor of Great Britain, or Lord Chancellor, is a senior and important functionary in the government of the United Kingdom. He is the second highest ranking of the Great Officers of State, ranking only after the Lord High Steward. The Lord Chancellor is appointed by the Sovereign...
from 1918-1922.
A copy of the speech was included in the following day's Times
Times
The Times is a UK daily newspaper, the original English language newspaper titled "Times". Times may also refer to:In newspapers:*The Times , went defunct in 2005*The Times *The Times of Northwest Indiana...
, which is archived online.