M-cl-n interposes.
Monday Night, August 1.—Prince Louis of Battenberg had better be making inquiries as to return trains for Germany. W. Redmond "has had his attention called to him," and Pickersgill has his eye upon him. German Prince been appointed to command of Dreadnought over thirty British Officers who had precedence for promotion. W. Redmond elicited more general cheering than usually falls to his lot when he wanted to know what reason could be given for so extraordinary a mark of confidence? Georgy Hamilton explained that there was best possible reason. Prince Louis a heaven-born sea-Captain. No one like him among ordinary Britishers. Appointed to Dreadnought simply because he was best possible man. Then Pickersgill came to front. Couldn't object to First Lord's personal preference, but gave notice that if Prince Louis were confirmed in command of Dreadnought he would move that his salary be disallowed. More cheers. Idea of German Princeling holding office, however honourable, without drawing a salary struck Commons as comical. Subject seemed to drop here. But Commerell, having by this time had another question on other subject put and answered, collected his thoughts, rose and begged to say that "Prince Louis of Battenberg served under me, and a more efficient officer——" Here sentence came to abrupt conclusion. Angry cries of "Order!" stormed round gallant Admiral. Commerell a man of proved valour, as the Victoria Cross worn on his breast on Jubilee Day and other high festivities testifies. But his bronzed cheek blanched under this assault. He stared round a moment speechless, and resumed his seat.
House in Committee through long hours on Irish Land Bill. Dulness enlivened towards midnight by encounter between Chamberlain and Grandolph. Chamberlain began it; Grandolph by no means backward. Rebuked Chamberlain for "characteristic sneer," upon which Chamberlain smartly retorted. The interesting episode concluded by Hartington announcing his intention to vote against Chamberlain and with the Government. Harcourt much pleased.
"This is only the beginning," he said. "Grandolph and Chamberlain have evidently quarrelled. Hartington doesn't bind himself to go with Chamberlain; and altogether the Unionist Party seems a little disunited."
Business done.—Irish Land Bill in Committee.
Tuesday.—Questions over there was a pretty scene. John Dillon complained of allegation in provincial newspaper that he had applauded a statement that in a riot at Belfast several children and a young lady school-teacher, the daughter of Lord Sligo's Agent, were seriously hurt. Hadn't proceeded far with explanation when voice from neighbourhood of Treasury Bench called out, "It is true!"
"Who says it's true?" shouted John, flashing a baleful glance on Treasury Bench.
At first he thought the interrupter was Old Morality, but his air of perfect innocence repulsed suspicion. Was it De Worms, turning as, it is written, his family sometimes do? Edward Clarke looked more guilty, so John "named" him; denied the soft impeachment. Halsey admitted it, and was backed up by half-a-dozen Members, including Maclean. Bore personal testimony to having heard the applause when incident was mentioned.
"I say it is true!" they repeated one after the other.
"And I say it is false!" John Dillon roared, and proceeded to denounce Members opposite in language which speedily brought up the Speaker.
After a while Maclean again interposed. Demanded to be heard whilst he asserted in detail the general accuracy of the newspaper paragraph, whilst of course acquitting Dillon "if he said he did not join in applause." Parnellites, oddly enough, left all the fighting to John, who was finally put down by Speaker. After this pleasant interlude, House resumed Committee on Land Bill. Proceedings dolorous, and House empty. At one time sitting nearly brought to end by a Count.
Business done.—Irish Land Bill.
