"There is a large gallery for strangers in the House of Lords, that is, that it projects well into the House, instead of being out of the House, as was the case with the accommodation formerly accorded by their Lordships. The front row of this gallery is arranged for the Press, separated from the rest of the gallery by a high partition, or backboard, and approachable at the end of the gallery by a passage for the exclusive advantage of the front row.
"The arrangement of seats in the Commons differs materially from that which characterized St. Stephen's. Here, all is remarkably open. There are no places under the gallery; all the members' seats, to the very end of the House, and even in the members' side galleries (there being no woodwork, only two iron rails in front) are as visible to all the House as the Treasury or Opposition benches, so that there will no longer be the opportunities of retreating into recesses or behind curtains, and there indulge in high-sounding sleep, or in still more unparliamentary, because far more modern, exclamations and imitations, when midnight may have approached, to give notice that the 'crowing' of the cock or the 'braying' of patient steeds may be expected. These things may again distinguish the assembly, but those who contribute to such distinction must now, at least, be seen by strangers as well as members. This may not be without its good effect in awing even the most refractory into something like respect for others, if they have no great deal for themselves. The woodwork is entirely of oak, and the seats are covered with green leather. The Speaker's chair is constructed like the old chair, which was after a design furnished by Sir C. Wren, though that chair is introduced in the celebrated picture of Oliver Cromwell desiring the 'bauble' to be removed. The Royal arms are not at the top, as that would have intercepted the view of the gallery behind the Chair, which will be chiefly appropriated to the press, and under the Speaker's control."
At the opening of Parliament, the Dukes of Cumberland and Wellington, several of the bishops, and some members of the House of Commons, were soundly hissed; nay, the King himself, when he opened Parliament on the 24th, was served the same, and two men were taken up for the said offence—one of them not only having groaned in a violent manner, but having called out, "There goes a d—d villain." Both had to find bail to keep the peace, self in £40, and two sureties in £20, which, not being forthcoming, they were locked up in default.
Whilst on the subject of this new Parliament, I may mention that on March 12th, the Hon. C. Berkeley gave notice that on May 1st he should move that a portion of the Strangers' Gallery in that House be set apart for the accommodation of ladies—which elicited "great laughter." But his motion never came off, for, on the date fixed, the House was in its Easter vacation, but was referred to a committee to report on. On April 9th Sir Robert Peel and his ministry resigned, and was succeeded by Lord Melbourne as Prime Minister.
Anent this, on June 1st, two men were charged at Bow Street, with causing a great mob by halloaing forth an harangue, entitled, "The political form of Matrimony between the Whigs and the people"; a portion of which is as follows:—
"Now, there was a man in the House of Incurables, whose name was Melbourne, and that man was perfect and upright. There was a day when the Reformers came to present themselves before the King and Bobby;[17] and Billy[18] said unto Bobby, 'Whence comest thou?' And Bobby answered, 'From going to and fro from St. Stephen's.' And Billy said, 'My servant Melbourne is perfect and upright, and one that feareth the King and supporteth the rights of the people.' And Bobby said, 'Do they serve the people for nought? Put forth thine hand and touch his office, and he will mock the people to their face, place for place, pension for pension—yea, all that the Whigs have, will they give for their pensions.' And Billy then said to Bobby, 'His office is in thy power.' And a messenger came unto Melbourne and said, 'Thy Ministry is dissolved, and Bobby is chosen in thy stead, and I alone am left to tell thee.' Then Melbourne arose and rent his wig, and shaved his head, and fasted three days in sackcloth and ashes. 'Pensionless came I unto office, and pensionless shall I go out. Billy gave, and Billy taketh away; and blessed be the name of Billy.'"
Lord Melbourne, however, remained Premier during the whole of the King's reign. Whilst on politics, I may mention that two noted Radicals died this year—Henry Hunt in February, and William Cobbett on June 18th.
CHAPTER XIX.
1835.
Gambling house police case — Curious superstition — A cook's letter to her mistress — Jews and public employment — Fire at Hatfield House — Curious discovery of jewels — Scarcity in Ireland.
Under the year 1833, I called attention to the prevalence of gaming-houses, but, in spite of the efforts made to put them down, they still flourished, as we see from the annexed police report, taken from the Times of July 7th.