THE NEW MEMBER.
Mr. Speaker. "Pleased to make your acquaintance, Sir. Somehow I seem to know your face."
In process of swearing-in new Member nothing taken for granted. Halsbury discovered this when, far back in the last century, he, known at the time as Hardinge Giffard, came up to take his seat for Launceston. Challenged by the Clerk for production of writ of return, made painful discovery that it was not at hand. Sure he put it in his pocket when he left home; but which pocket?
In full gaze of four hundred quizzical Members he proceeded to search. Was there ever mortal man with so many pockets stuffed with such miscellaneous contents as Disraeli's Solicitor-General littered the Table withal? In the end—and its coming seemed interminable—the desired document was found coyly hidden in his hat left on the seat he had occupied under the Gallery awaiting summons to the Table.
The Prime Minister, cool and businesslike as usual, had necessary document ready. Handing it to the Clerk, he once more signed the roll of Parliament.
Then came critical moment, awaited with keen interest by House. The roll signed, it is duty of Clerk to conduct new Member to Speaker and introduce him by name.
"Mr. Asquith!" the Clerk announced.
