It was terrible. The Speaker, fearing bloodshed, interposed, ruling Tim out of order; only just in time. One could see by flush on Macartney's cheek that one step more would have been fatal, and that the proposition "Seventeen and two are nineteen" would have led to outbreak beside which the "regrettable incident" would have been meretriciously mild.
Business done.—Took up Report Stage of Home-Rule Bill.
"Bimetallism."
Tuesday.—The Squires had regular set-to to-night. He of Blankney began it; Squire of Malwood, never loath for a tussle, cheerfully stepping into the ring. Order of the day was Report Stage of Home-Rule Bill. Members, though in languid mood, prepared once more to tread the dreary round, to pass a summer night
In dropping buckets into empty wells,
And growing old in drawing nothing up.
Squire of Blankney ordered matters otherwise. Has for some time had by him paper on Bimetallism, which he desired to read to House. Thought event might have come off on Vote on Account; ruled out of order; would fit in equally well on Indian Budget. But when will Indian Budget be taken? Gorst and Echo answer "When?" Squire, whilst willing to sacrifice all personal considerations on the altar of public interest, feels that duty to his Queen and country call him away for an interval of rest. He might leave his paper for Dicky Temple to read; or he might have it printed and circulated with the votes. Whilst pondering on these alternatives, happy thought came to him. Why not move adjournment of House, and so work off speech? Of course wouldn't do to put the matter bluntly, and "ask leave to move the adjournment for the purpose of discussing a definite matter of urgent public importance, namely, Harry Chaplin's desire to get out of town." But for "Harry Chaplin's desire," &c., substitute "the closing of the Indian mints to the free coinage of silver," and there you are.
There we were indeed. Opposition didn't show up with the enthusiasm that might have been expected in such a cause. Question was indeed raised whether the necessary forty Members had risen to support application for leave. Speaker said it was all right, so Squire of Blankney brought out his treasured manuscript and reeled off his speech. Squire of Malwood exceedingly angry that he should have occupied nearly an hour for the purpose. So angry that he took almost precisely same time in replying. Drew a lurid picture of the other Squire going about "endeavouring to make mischief in Hindustan." The poor Squire of Blankney! No such fell design had filled his manly breast. He was guilty of no more direful purpose than that of availing himself of forms of the House to read a paper on Bimetallism prepared for a lapsed occasion, which might have been out of date had he kept it in his drawer till he came back from his holiday. It led to appropriation of four hours of the sitting; but if they had not been wasted in this way, they would have been squandered in some other, and House would have lost spectacle of this set-to between the Malwood Mauler and the Blankney Pet.
Business done.—None to speak of.