Saturday, 1.30 A.M.—Eighty-second day of debate on Home-Rule Bill. After being "gagged" through all those days and nights of ruthless talk, a House crowded on every Bench, filling galleries and thronging Bar, opens wide its mouth and cheers announcement that Third Reading been carried by 301 votes against 267. When House is unanimous, its unanimity wonderful. Everybody agreed to shout for joy—Ministerialists because majority was 34, Opposition because it isn't 38.
"Thank you, Toby," said Mr. G., when I congratulated him on the end of the long job; "I expect we're all glad it's over. Excuse me, but I just want to drop the Bill in the post for the Lords."
Crowd waiting outside Palace Yard caught sight of him as he tripped along. A ringing cheer woke echoes of the stilly night; Mr. G. escorted home in triumph to Downing Street.
"Dear me!" said the Member for Sark. "Now I wonder how many of those who are now cheering Mr. G. helped fifteen years ago to break his windows?"
The Member for Sark always thinks of cheerful things.
Business done.—Home-Rule Bill read Third Time.
GOING TO THE COUNTRY.
(By another Sporting M.P.)
We have talked and divided and sat till we're ill,