This an admirable stroke of business, but a little depressing from spectacular point of view. No more pyrotechnics; no further meetings on the floor; no more grips at close quarters. Hayes Fisher looked on moodily; Logan passed Front Opposition bench without once so much as looking at place where Carson is accustomed meekly to repose. Respectable elderly gentlemen like Francis Powell and Jeffreys took the floor. Even contumacious Cobb admitted soothing influence of the hour. Didn't want anything more than that Parish Councils should have power to take land wherever they found it, and divide it amongst the poor. As everybody agreed Bill in the main desirable, and since Fowler had promised fullest consideration of amendments in Committee, seemed natural thing to do was forthwith to read Bill second time, and fix date of Committee.
"No, Sir," said Stanley Leighton, "I trust the House of Commons is not yet sunk so low as that. Confess I myself feel depressed. Couldn't to-night adequately fill my favourite and popular part of The Man from Shropshire. At least I'll deliver House from disgrace of bringing debate to a close for the puerile reason that we're all agreed Second Reading shall be taken."
So he wandered on; was just warming into Man-from-Shropshire manner, when midnight sounded and Debate stood adjourned.
Business done.—Second Reading Parish Councils Bill moved.
Friday.—For middle-aged gentleman of long experience never saw man so discomposed as Jesse Collings was just now, when he let cat out of bag about future arrangements of the Unionists personal to himself. What is to be done with the Faithful One when Joseph comes into his own is favourite speculation in smoke-room. Sage of Queen Anne's Gate takes special interest in matter. Most men think Jesse should have Cabinet rank in Coalition Ministry.
"No," says the Sage, "he should be a Viceroy, either of India or Canada. Cut out for the place; and there would be no question of salary, such as, seven years ago, embittered his relations with Mr. G."
All these conjectures beside the point. Matter has, apparently, been settled in inner councils of party, and to-night Jesse accidentally, inadvertently, lifted the veil. "I have," he said, in course of luminous speech prefaced by addressing the Speaker as "Mr. Mayor," "something to say on that subject, but I will reserve my remarks for another place." House not very full at moment. But everyone knows meaning of House of Commons phrase "another place." Sensation profound. Bordesley soon to be bereft, for Jesse Collings is going to the Lords! Henry Matthews, a local authority on the subject, says even title been fixed upon. Nothing less than territorial style will do for the ex-Mayor and Radical Alderman. Soon the Upper House will greet Lord Bordesley of Birmingham.
Quiet night, with further talk round Parish Councils Bill. Mr. G. present, seated between Squire of Malwood and John Morley. Singularly subdued in manner; takes no part in discussion; goes off to dinner in good time, and House sees him no more.