Now, "next please," and let us have the "Very last of the Sea Serpent!"
ESSENCE OF PARLIAMENT.
Extracted from the Diary of Toby, M.P.
Johnson of Ballykilbeg escorting the Duke of York.
House of Commons, Monday Night, November 20.—Rumour current to-night that Ballykilbeg is in the market. Ballykilbeg is the manorial seat of one of the most ancient and honourable Irish families, long settled in County Down. The O'Hnstons were in the train of Borrhoimi when he first essayed, and succeeded in, the difficult task of forming a United Ireland. Jake O'Hnston is a name that lingers lovingly in tradition of Youngest Ireland. Gradually, being always on the people's lips, it began to take a new form. J. O'Hnston naturally became Johnston; but Ballykilbeg was always there. To-day House of Commons contains no more esteemed Member than he who is known as Johnston of Ballykilbeg. A man of war breathing battle, ever ready to take his place amongst the corpses in the last ditch, Johnston of Ballykilbeg off the platform in Ulster, or off his legs in House of Commons, is the mildest-mannered man that ever proposed to broil a brother for conscience' sake.
Quite a sensation at prospect of dissevering Johnston from Ballykilbeg. Glad to hear there's nothing, or little, in it. Arises out of circumstance that Johnston has approached Mr. G. with suggestion that Treasury shall purchase an estate in Ireland, and there plant out the Duke of York. If the Duke, making a survey of Ireland, should find no more attractive place than Ballykilbeg, the descendant of the O'Hnstons is not the man to allow personal predilections or old associations to stand in the way of gratification of Royal desire. It might come to pass that the Crowned Heads of Europe would welcome at their courts York of Ballykilbeg, whilst the last of the O'Hnstons would be content to house his loyal head under alien roof. That, however, not a prospect in view when he moved in the matter. There is surely room between the seas that circle Ireland for the Duke of York and Johnston still at Ballykilbeg.
Business done.—Clause I. added to Parish Councils Bill.