EXTRACTED FROM THE DIARY OF TOBY, M.P.
House of Commons, Monday, November 27.—Another night with Parish Councils Bill, dull as usual, save for one thrilling moment. Happened just before dinner. Henry Fowler accepted Amendment making responsible for expenses or damage those who had summoned meetings in Parish School. Sudden tumult below Gangway in Radical camp; Question put from Chair that Amendment be added to Bill. Logan raised stentorian shout of "No!" Chairman repeated Question; hubbub increased; amid it Logan seen waving arms aloft like windmill that had suddenly remembered an appointment. Mellor's face grew a shade mellerer, not to say paler. Set his lips, and there was a gleam in his eye reminiscent of Beerbohm Tree's when seated on the gargoyle of Canterbury Cathedral. On memorable night in summer-time Logan had taken him at disadvantage. Had executed flank movement, and so almost come down on Carson's knee on Chairman's left rear. Now, if he meant business, he would catch the Chairman's eye; and probably something else.
During interval when House cleared for division Acland, who, having a holiday, has been out helping Fowler, left Treasury bench; cautiously but nimbly crossed gangway; amid buzz of admiration from assembly that ever admires personal courage, entered the Logan's den. Sat down in very midst of excited Radicals; proposed to argue matter out. Effect upon Logan maddening. Windmill remembered another appointment more pressing than the last. Members, anxious for Acland's safety, looked round for Hayes Fisher. The Logan Tamer not in his place; sand rapidly running out of glass on table; another minute question would be put again; if Logan insisted division must be taken, split manifested in Ministerial ranks, and a quarter of an hour wasted. Acland, undaunted, pegged away persuasively; windmill still went round, but less furiously; half a minute and last sands would run out.
Logan glanced towards table; Chairman's glittering eye fixed upon him. Effect magical. Logan slowly rose and walked towards Bar; crowd thronging in at sound of division bell respectfully opened their ranks as he approached. Like accomplished husband in case that recently occupied attention of Sir Francis Jeune, Logan "can use 'em a bit." Suppose he were to begin promiscuously with the crowd at the Bar! Had no such intention. At other side of the Bar he was technically out of the House. What others did whilst he stood there would leave no sear on his conscience. When question was put again, and Chairman declared "The Ayes have it," there was no responsive angry shout of "No!" The crisis was passed, but what it cost the Chairman, and how it would have been but for Acland's fearless foray, who can tell?
Business done.—Reached Clause VI. Parish Councils Bill.
