"Stop Thief!!"
Thursday Night.—Tim on the rampage. Saunderson set him agog at Question time, by rubbing him down wrong way. But it was Balfour who completed work. As Tim frankly admits, cannot sit opposite Balfour, smirking on Treasury Bench, without losing control of himself.
"I know it's wrong, Toby," he said to me after, in the Lobby, "but there is only one way to prevent it. I must quit the House, and go out for a walk on Terrace. To see Balfour sitting over there on the small of his back, sneering whilst we are trying to do our best for Ireland, is too much for me."
Having had back put up by Balfour, Conservatives below Gangway opposite completed transformation of Tim from peaceable citizen into an infuriate. Henniker Heaton, charging himself only half postage, sent frequent irritating messages across floor of House. Tim made show of taking off coat, turning up sleeves, and harrying Henniker. Chairman interposed with threat of "Naming." Tim defied him, but presently gave in, and withdrew offensive remarks.
| Here's Timothy Healy, Who spoke too freely. | Here's Mr. de Lisle, Who "didn't even smile." (A Fancy Portrait.) |
Seemed all over now. De Lisle proposed to offer few observations. Smartly rapped on head by Courtney, and resumed seat. Then Division. Whilst House cleared, De Lisle took opportunity to have little conversation with Courtney. Tim watched him with lowering eyes. The Division takes about ten minutes. Supposing he and De Lisle were to pair, go on the Terrace, and have it out? Happy Thought. Suggest it to De Lisle. Swooped down on him while talking to Courtney in chair, and plainly propounded proposition.
"Come out!" he said, in blood-curdling whisper. "Come out, if you are a man. If you interrupt me again, I'll break your neck."
This conclusive, but as argumentative process not recognised in House. De Lisle went out by a door other than that affected by Tim. Chairman said nothing, but as soon as Members returned from Division Lobby sent for Speaker, and reported circumstances to him. So Tim was suspended. Now partially anticipating the Recess. House practically empty. To-night filled up for this scene. After it was over, Benches cleared again, there being nothing more interesting than business to the fore.
Business done.—Committee on Land Bill.
"When found, make a note of for Tit Bits."
Friday.—Captain Bunsby appeared in House to-night. Took familiar and graceful form of Richard Temple. Some one questioned him as to what would London School Board do if the Pensions Bill promoted by it did not pass this Session? Would they terminate engagements for purpose of compelling their servants to come within provisions of Bill?
"Sir," said Sir Richard, casting killing glance at Ladies' Gallery, "whether the Board shall see fit to exercise their power is a question which no man can answer; and, if so be, wherefore? Why, Sir, because the Board will never form a decision on contingencies which have not yet arisen."
House delighted. Roared with laughter.
"When found, make a note of for Tit Bits," said Newnes; and he did.
Land Bill in Committee again. Getting terribly dull, though wakes up now and then when Harcourt interposes. Tremendous scene at Half-past Two this morning, when Old Morality rebuked him. O. M. accused Harcourt of making charge against Ministerialists.
"I don't know what charge I have made," said Harcourt; "but I am prepared to maintain all I have said."
That, of course, settled matter, and Members went home.
Business done.—Land Bill in Committee.