ADAPTED FROM THE FRENCH.
(Being a Parisian Parliamentary Procedure as "She Might be Spoke in England.")
SCENE—The House of Commons at question-time. Ministers in attendance, excited Members regarding them with derision.
First Member. I claim the word, Mr. Speaker. I would ask Esquire Harcourt, does he propose to make his Budget popular?
["Very well! very well!" from the Conservatives.
Esquire Harcourt. I tell the Hon. Gentleman that by such a question he insults the world! (Cheers.) Nay, he insults England!
[Loud applause, in which all join.
First Mem. (after a pause). Still, you have not answered my question. Is your Budget to be popular?
[Murmurs.
Esquire Har. (with spirit). I consider such a question twice repeated an infamy!
[Enthusiastic cheering.
Second Mem. Then it is you who are infamous!
[Uproar.
The Speaker. Gentlemen, Ministers, do not force me to put on my hat—do not cause me to suspend the sitting.
First Mem. Surely a civil question deserves a civil answer?
Esquire Harcourt. Not in a nation that has bled on the field of battle.
[Roars of applause.
First Mem. (after a pause). And yet what I required to know was reasonable. I wished to know whether Esquire Harcourt proposed to name a popular Budget?
Esquire Harcourt. He repeats the calumny!
[Uproar.
First Mem. (after a pause). But is there no reply? I would ask Sir Gladstone—is there no reply?
Sir Gladstone (springing to his feet). It is for the honour of England! (Immense enthusiasm.) And now, Sir, you are answered!
[Roars of applause. Scene closes in upon Ministers receiving the hand-shakes of supporters and opponents.
