EXTRACTED FROM THE DIARY OF TOBY, M.P.
House of Commons, Monday, July 31.—No one who chanced last Thursday to see Hayes Fisher and Logan engaged in controversy on Front Opposition Bench would suspect them of essentially retiring disposition. This conclusively proved to-night. Decided on further consideration that something must really be done in direction of modifying effects of Thursday's riot. Someone must apologise. This put to Hayes Fisher, who delighted Walrond with swiftness, even enthusiasm, of acquiescence.
"Right you are, dear boy," he cried. "I have thought so from the first. Indeed I have publicly placed the matter in its true light. Daresay you read my little affidavit written within an hour of what I quite agree with the Speaker in alluding to as 'the regrettable incident.' Here's what I said: 'To put a stop to his (Logan's) aggressive conduct, I immediately seized him by the neck and forcibly ejected him on to the floor of the House. That began the scrimmage.' Then I go on to point the moral, though indeed it points itself. This is where you and I particularly agree. 'In my opinion the responsibility for the discreditable scene rests even more with Mr. Gladstone than with Mr. Logan.' Yes, Walrond, you are quite right in what you are about to say. I have shown clearly that Mr. G. was at the bottom of the whole business, and he should apologise. Don't you think he'd better be brought in at the Bar? And if he spent a night or two in the Clock Tower it would have most wholesome effect, vindicate dignity of House, and prevent recurrence of these regrettable scenes."
Walrond's face a study, whilst Hayes Fisher, carried away by enthusiasm of moment, rubbed his hands and smiled in anticipation of the scene.
The Opposition Whip had tough job in hand. To Fisher's logical mind the proposal that he should apologise was a non sequitur. Why, what had he done? As he told House later, seeing Logan come up and sit down on bench below him, he thought he was going to strike him. Natural attitude for a man meaning to let out straight from the shoulder at another is to sit down with back turned towards intended victim. Fisher's quick intelligence taking whole situation in at glance, he promptly proceeded to take in as much as his hands would hold of the back of Logan's neck, with intent to thrust him forth. That, as he wrote, "began the scrimmage." In other words, Mr. Gladstone was responsible for the whole business, even more so than Logan, who had wantonly brought the back of his neck within reach of Fisher's hand.
However, there were reasons of State why the guilty should go unpunished. Not the first time Innocency has been sacrificed that Guilt might stalk through the land unfettered. Fisher would apologise; but here again the untameably logical mind asserted itself. Logan must apologise first. It was he who had been forcibly ejected. On Thursday night Fisher had come up behind him; argal, he must follow him now. Thus it was settled, or so understood. But when critical moment arrived, House waiting for someone to speak, hitch occurred. Fisher waited for Logan; Logan, in excess of politeness, hung back. Awkward pause. Speaker observed he had certainly understood something might be said by the two gentlemen. Another pause. Logan and Fisher eyed each other across the floor.
Lord Chatham, with his sword drawn,
Stood waiting for Sir Richard Strachan;
Sir Richard, longing to be at 'em,
Stood waiting for the Earl of Chatham.
