ESSENCE OF PARLIAMENT.
(Extracted from the Diary of Toby, M.P.)
House of Commons, Tuesday, April 14.—Back to grindstone after so-called Easter recess. Divisions reveal presence of aggregate of something less than 200 Members. Watchful Whip, ever suspicious of ambush, succeeded in mustering four-fifths of the whole. Ministerial majority maintained at average of six-score.
Increased by a unit consequent on return of Premier after re-election by faithful Fife. Towards close of Questions was discovered standing at Bar awaiting Speaker's call.
"Members desiring to take their seats will please come to the Table."
As he advanced, escorted by Chief Whip and Scottish colleague, Liberals and Irish Nationalists leaped to their feet, waving hats and handkerchiefs in loyal greeting. Only the haughty Labour Member remained seated. Not for him to pay court to chiefs of other parties, howsoever friendly. He is there as representative of the Working Man; is neither to be bought nor sold, cowed nor cajoled.
A fine spectacle. Pity Strangers' Galleries almost empty.
