THE PARLIAMENTARY ALPINE CLUB.
Later, to intense delight of Parnellites, Hartington and Chamberlain differed on point raised in Irish Land Bill and voted in opposite lobbies. "Beginning of the End," said Joseph Gillis humorously clawing at Tim Healy.
Business done.—Irish Land Bill in Committee.
Tuesday, 3 A.M.—Late enough to be here. Would have been later still but for the presence of mind of the Speaker. Hour ago Stuart, running in with pile of papers moved Second Reading of Bill to legalise Langworthy and other marriages celebrated at Antwerp by one Potts. Debate followed, Tomlinson moving adjournment. House divided, 75 for adjournment and five-and-seventy against. Everything now depended on the Speaker. If he gave casting vote against adjournment, might go on merrily far into morning. Speaker took another course. Quite time to go home. So supported adjournment, and rest of business speedily wound up.
Tuesday Evening.—Charlie Beresford about House to-night in unusually limp condition. Avoided Treasury Bench. Wouldn't even enter House. "Only come down," says he, "to signal postmaster to hand over letters." Rumour gathers that Charles has had difficulty with his colleagues. Perhaps feels remorse about Crimes Bill, or can't stomach Land Bill. However it be, it is confidently whispered that he has resigned. All the Naval Captains on Conservative side make a point of loitering about Treasury Bench, and, if possible, exchange a word with Old Morality. If there is vacancy at Admiralty, will want a substitute. No harm in reminding him of the existence of one or two.
Presently made clear that it is for domestic, not political, reasons that Charlie has resigned. Seems that when at Review on Saturday, he, being on Queen's Yacht, filled up idle five minutes by signalling to his wife on another ship. This grave breach of etiquette shakes naval force of Great Britain to centre. Can be atoned for only by offender sacrificing his professional position and prospects. So Charlie sends in his resignation, and Britannia, dissolved in tears, weeps over her errant son. Procedure of course only formal. Can't spare gallant and capable sailor like this on account of breach of etiquette.
Business done.—Land Bill in Committee.
