(Extracted from the Diary of Toby, M.P.)
House of Lords, Monday, February 23rd.—Temporarily relieved from thoughts of Ulster or meditations upon Marconi, House gave itself up to bright debate on question not less attractive because of spice of personality. Spice acquired additional piquancy since it was not supposed to be there. Its absence was indeed formally insisted upon. "Oh no, we never mention him. His name is never heard." All the same, as debate went forward, names did occur. Glances, furtively shot from side to side of House, casually rested upon particular seats, whether empty or occupied.
Lord Crewe (to Lord Selborne on his way to the Debate on the Sale of Honours). "I trust we shall have no stone-throwing."
Lord Selborne. "I'm entirely with you. Too much stained-glass about, what?"
Selborne introduced subject by moving Resolution condemning principle that a contribution to Party funds should be a consideration to a Minister recommending to the Sovereign bestowal of a titular honour. Subject delicate one to handle. As Selborne admitted, Willoughby de Broke and Ribblesdale in succession concurring, it was not a Party question. Notorious that since the days of Lord North both political parties are tarred with same brush. Through difficult circumstances Selborne adroitly picked his way in lively speech. Sorely handicapped by Resolution, the effect of which, even with assistance of other House, would, as Ribblesdale pointed out, be absolutely nil. "In the end," he said, "both Houses would be only expressing a pious, almost a Pharisaical opinion."
This conceded, the Lords, having no work to do, might have done much worse than devote sitting to breezy debate.
Willoughby de Broke at his best in his enunciation of principles upon which, were he dispenser of honours in the Radical camp, he would choose his peers. Whilst taking broad view of case on eugenic principles, he would be inclined to make selection in favour of childless candidates.
"The sons of newly-created Radical peers are," he shrewdly remarked, "almost certain to be Tories, while a Radical grandson of a Radical peer is a phenomenon never seen."
Incidentally the bold Baron took occasion to remark that his own title was conferred upon an ancestor in reward for active part taken in placing the Tudor dynasty on the throne. Some noble lords, whose patent to peerage is of rather more recent date, whilst agreeing generally with his views, thought this remark superfluous. Why drag in the Tudors?
Willoughby's graphic account of an interview with the agent of a moneyed applicant for honours was capped by Ribblesdale, who confided to listening Senate particulars of occasions when, as a Whip he had from time to time been "approached."
Milner, shocked by what he regarded as frivolity, proposed to treat the subject "with a slight approach to seriousness." Proposal cast a blight over proceedings which were hurried to conclusion.
Business done.—Selborne's Resolution agreed to with verbal amendment.
House of Commons, Tuesday.—Resemblance of House of Commons to the sea never more strikingly illustrated than at to-night's sitting. For five hours and a half deadliest calm reigned. Benches less than half full. Questions droned through appointed period. House got into Committee of Supply on Civil Service estimates. Votes for Colonial Service offered occasion for debate on Camel Corps disaster in Somaliland last August. Lulu defended in detail the policy and action of his department. At half-past eight, talk still dragging slow length along, he moved closure. Division on proposal to reduce the estimate, equivalent to vote of censure, ran Government majority up to 125.
Suddenly scene changed. It was the mid-dinner hour, period at which House is as a rule dismally empty. The four-hundred-and-seventy Members who had taken part in the division, instead of fleeing in accordance with custom as if fire had broken out, made for their seats, whence rose the buzz of excited talk that presages a tempest.
The miracle was worked by Ulster. Falle, having by favour of fortune at ballot-box secured portion of sitting as Private Member's property, moved Resolution calling upon Prime Minister, forthwith to submit to House his proposals for alteration of Government of Ireland Bill. Opposition mustered in support. Ministerialists whipped up to last man. When, following mover and seconder of Resolution, Premier appeared at the table he was welcomed by shout of exultant cheering. Significant contrast with his reception when, a fortnight earlier, he stood in same place and seemed inclined to dally with proposal for exclusion of Ulster. Instinctively, or through whispered information, Ministerialists knew he was now, as they put it, "going straight."
Their most sanguine expectation justified. Premier in fine fighting form.
"Gentlemen opposite," he scornfully said, "seem to think we here can be likened to a beleaguered garrison, driven by the stress of warfare into an untenable position with failing supplies, with exhausted ammunition, with shaken nerves, and that it is for them, the minority of this House, to dictate the terms of capitulation that are to determine whether we are to be allowed to surrender with or without the honours of war."
That sufficed to indicate his position. Whilst disclosure increased enthusiasm on Ministerial side it correspondingly inflamed passion on benches opposite.
There was an anxious moment when fisticuffs seemed imminent across the table in close proximity to shocked Mace. Carson making interruption (one of a continuous series), Premier thought it was Walter Long, and severely enjoined him to restrain himself. Long hotly retorted that he had not spoken. Angry cheers and counter-cheers resounded in opposing camps. Premier, accepting assurance of his mistake, apologised. Fisticuffs postponed.
Warned by experience, Premier took no notice when Moore of Armagh shouted, "Why do you funk a General Election?" or when later he received from same source disclaimer of belief in his sincerity; or when another Ulster Member characterised forceful passage in his speech as "Tomfoolery."
Fresh roar of cheering broke over excited host of Ministerialists when by way of last word Premier declared, "We are not going at the eleventh hour to betray a great cause."
Business done.—Proverbially swift descent from sublime to ridiculous. Demand of Opposition for instant disclosure of Ministerial plan altering Home Rule Bill met by Amendment from Liberal side declaring confidence in Government. This carried by majority of 73. When put as substantial Resolution eleven o'clock had struck. No opposed business may be taken after that hour. House accordingly forthwith adjourned. Record of night's business in Journals of House prepared for perusal of posterity is comprehended in word "That——"
Thursday.—House puzzled by question on Paper standing in name of H. P. Croft. Member for Christchurch desires "to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has received petitions in favour of immediate legislation dealing with imported plumage through all or any of the Prime Ministers of the States of Australia."
How, why and under what circumstances plumage should be "imported through" Prime Ministers of the Australian Commonwealth no one can guess. Generally agreed that, if such painful procedure actually be the Colonial custom, prohibitive legislation cannot be too soon undertaken.
Sydney Holland, for many years the prop and stay of the London Hospital, has taken his seat in the House of Lords on accession to the Viscountcy of Knutsford. Apart from hereditary claim, he is the ideal type of the class of peer whom reformers on both sides look to for restoration of the prestige and usefulness of the Upper Chamber. Nevertheless it is hoped he will not give up to Westminster what was meant for mankind—the splendid devotion of capacity and energy to the service of the sick poor of London.
Business done.—In Committee on Supplementary Estimates.
The New Matrimonial Insurance.
"HUSBAND INSURED AWAY."
"Daily Mail" Heading.
"Gentlemen opposite seem to think we here can be likened to a beleaguered garrison, driven by the stress of warfare into an untenable position."—Mr. Asquith in the debate on Mr. Falle's resolution.