A. Ak-rs D--gl-s.
To return to August 29. The Patriots have determined it shall be a grand week for the "Ould Counthry." Many previous weeks have been equally grand weeks, or as they would put it "months." When the Speaker took his seat, scarcely a quorum present. Ministerialists "in reserve," (like policemen when some one writes to tell Sir C. Warren he is going to demonstrate in Trafalgar Square) in various parts of the House. Gladstonian Whips well en évidence to act as guides to sole representatives of the Non-Dissentient Liberals, Woodall and Childers.
Unprejudiced North Briton Douglas Crawford has a question for young Northcote about pig-iron and coal. Seemingly Scotch firms have been overlooked. Surveyor-General of Ordnance very gravely answers question, goes home and tenders his resignation, "in consequence of recommendation of Committee reporting upon War Office organising and suggesting changes." Northcote had enough of it. Couldn't even say something funny about "burning questions re coal generally ending in smoke."
After Joicey had wanted to know why great guns should be let off at Tynemouth Castle, and Stanhope had promised that for the future they should be fired (if possible) in a whisper ("Savours of a bang," put in Childers, sotto voce), the Irish gentlemen got to their favourite sport, King-Harman baiting. They had one or two good sets-to, making it particularly unpleasant for the Under Secretary about the trial of O'Brien, Resident Magistrates, and Horse-breeding. But this "illigant divarsion" was only a sort of hors d'œuvres to the pièce de résistance, "Supply—Irish Votes," which was as strong and savoury as the National Stew itself.
Dillon began the ball by moving a reduction of the Constabulary Votes, saying that the chief duties of the officers were, driving out with the Country Gentlemen, flirting with all the Young Girls, and shooting with the Landlords.
