Friday, 2 a.m.—Long time since I saw Liberals in such fighting trim as at this moment. Been at it all night discussing Redmond's motion for release of Dynamitards. Asquith made speech that has confirmed and improved his Parliamentary position. At quarter to one this morning Division taken, giving thumping majority, 316, to Government. When figures announced, Ulster Member moved Adjournment of Debate. Wants to talk about release of Gweedore prisoners.
"Right you are," said Squire of Malwood; "Twelve o'Clock Rule suspended; we can sit all night. Fire away!"
Prince Arthur, forgetful of many cheerful nights he has sat up hearing the chimes in company with Tim Healy, protested against this as tyrannical proceeding. Irish Members massed below Gangway howled with delight. Their turn come now. Long they groaned under Prince Arthur's iron heel. Now they've got him down, and dance round him with shouts of exultation and Homeric bursts of laughter. Hardly can his voice be heard above the din; but he pegs along, finally turning his back on jubilant mob below Gangway; addresses himself to Speaker, edging in a sentence amid comparative pauses in uproar. Prince Arthur protests he will not yield to force; Liberals opposite, cheered by news from Walsall, following fast on heels of triumph at Halifax, laugh and scoff. Mr. G. safely packed off to bed; the Squire and his brother officers on Front Bench evidently ready to make a night of it. Tim Healy, radiant with this rare and rosy reflection of the good old times, observes it is "an excellent hour of the evening to begin fresh work."
More hubbub; House divides, showing Government in possession of majority of 80. Renewed tumult when they come back from the Lobby. Jesse Collings rising, with intent to implore House to remember its dignity, is met with such swift, sudden, rampant roar of "Rat! Rat!" that after ineffectual contest, he subsides. Another Division; Government majority gone up one. Fresh Motion made for Adjournment; Members tightening their belts for all-night sitting, when Squire of Malwood unexpectedly gives in. "Go on! go on!" excited Liberals cry.
"No," said the dignified Old Roman, throwing an imaginary toga over substantial shoulder. "No? they have done enough to make their position clear before the country. Let them go to bed." So at 2:20 a.m. they went.
Business done.—Blowing great guns.
Friday Night.—A flash in the pan at the opening of the Sitting, when Prince Arthur, meaning to smite at the unoffending figure of the Squire of Malwood, hit Mr. G. He explained, and apologised; thereafter, a long, dull night.
Davitt took his seat, amid loud cheers from both sides. A curious episode in his history, honourable both to him and House. A real good man Davitt, with all the modesty of sterling merit. Still, inclined to be argumentative. Had scarcely taken his seat, when he came up to me, and said, "It's very well for you, Toby, to be M.P. for Barks; but I'm M.P. for Tenpence. Yes, that's the precise sum it cost me to win my seat."
New Members come, and old ones depart. Everybody sorry to hear of the death of Louis Jennings, a fine-natured, high-souled man, of brilliant intellect and wide culture. In later Sessions has been handicapped by the cruel illness that carried him off whilst in his prime. But he made his mark at Westminster as he had done in New York, India, and Printing House Square.