A Great Field for Humorists Annually.—"Wit acres' Almanack."
ESSENCE OF PARLIAMENT.
Extracted from the Diary of Toby, M.P.
House of Commons, Thursday, November 2.—Began work again to-day as if nothing had happened from February to September. Understood to have had a recess; so short hardly worth mentioning. Considering all circumstances, attendance marvellously large. Marjoribanks got his men together as usual, crowding benches on Ministerial side. Opposition not in quite such a hurry to wash their spears; but muster creditable. Irish camp deserted. "You see," said Justin Mccarthy, "it isn't our funeral. But the bhoys are hanging round and will turn up if wanted."
Henry Fowler moved Second Reading Parish Councils Bill. Adroit and able speech; rather hard on Walter Long; to him deputed position of spokesman on Front Opposition bench. Brought down notes of convincing speech. Fowler getting in first anticipated all his objections; met them with benevolent alacrity that disarmed hostility. What did statesmen opposite want? Anything in reason should be conceded. "Give your orders, gents, whilst the waiter's in the room."
