What possibilities underlie its possession were wonderingly recognised in the last days of the late Parliament, when the directors of the Cambrian Railway Company were brought to the Bar of the House in connection with the dismissal of a station-master who had given unwelcome evidence before a Select Committee. House in the ludicrous pickle which invariably follows on Privilege proceedings. Directors summoned to attend were somewhere in the lobby. If it had been permissible to follow Dogberry's example in similar circumstances—to take no note of directors, but let them go and presently call the rest of the watch together, and thank God they were rid of the knaves—it would have been well. But, directors being solemnly summoned, must needs be adequately dealt with. Finally resolved that Speaker should admonish them. Amid much giggling on part of hysterically uneasy House, conscious of its own ludicrous position, directors brought in and ranged at Bar. Then Speaker stood up and "most seriously admonished" them.
No one present will forget the awesome mien, the terrible voice, with which the task was performed. At a touch farce was transformed into tragedy. Dignity of House, sorely imperilled, triumphantly vindicated. To-night the Speaker's phrasing was perfect. Its setting in the delivery is untranslateable in speech or written word.
Farewell to Mr. Speaker Peel.
Business done.—Speaker announces resignation. Squire of Malwood brings in Local Veto Bill.
Tuesday.—"Poof!" said Sark, mopping his brow; "glad that's over. No knowing where it might have ended. Danger of last scene in Speaker's leave-taking closing amid burst of irritated laughter. When I was first returned, we thought two leaders enough for one House. There was the Government man on the Treasury Bench, the Leader of Opposition on bench opposite. When ceremonial business to be done, these two spoke and the whole House agreed that its opinions had found expression. House rapidly growing into position akin to home forces of Prince of Monaco. Nearly as many captains as privates."
These remarks wrung from troubled breast by long, at one anxious moment apparently interminable, procession of orators in support of resolution thanking retiring Speaker for services in Chair. Squire of Malwood said right thing in admirable way. Prince Arthur, less ornate in phrase, supplied a perfect second. These speeches voiced feeling of Ministerialists and Opposition. Some reasonableness in Justin McCarthy's interposition, he being leader of distinct party which, as he hinted, had in earlier days done battle with Speaker. But really, when it came to Joseph saying a few words for his merry men, and John Redmond tuning afresh the Irish harp on behalf of his, prospect grew alarming. If these leaders of sections within a division felt called upon to make speeches on such occasion, why not John Burns as a Labour Leader, with Keir Hardie to follow as captain of the Independent Labour Party; Osborne Morgan, purged of profligacy, speaking for Wales, followed by Lloyd-George from below the Gangway; Wilfrid Lawson for the Temperance party; Private Hanbury as representing the land forces of the Busy B's; Cap'en Tommy Bowles the naval; Jacob Bright returning thanks for the ladies, Walter M'Laren speaking specially for the section who desire to marry their deceased husband's brother? Domesticity thus trenched upon, Baron de Worms, with wistful "Long-Lost-Dear-Father" look on his face, might close the list by a few words spoken on behalf of the family circle.
To-day stopped a little short of this; but shall doubtless go the whole way next time opportunity presents itself. Business done.—Thanks of House voted to Speaker.
Wednesday.—By contrast with ordered speech-making of yesterday afternoon scene that took place in earliest moments of the new day's birth prettier by far. For upwards of an hour Members passing out homewards stopped to shake the Speaker's hand and bid him farewell. Just before quarter of hour chimed after midnight, Arthur Peel spoke his last words in House of Commons.
"The question is," he said, "that this House do now adjourn."