To-night the two props of the Constitution resumed their useful service of sustentation. Carson, as he mentally struggled with the problem of governing Ireland, unconsciously fell into Prince Arthur's early but now abandoned trick of sitting with his feet on the table. Near him, diligently making notes whilst John Morley expounded his Bill, sat St. John Brodrick. "There," said Carson who has not forgotten his Pope—
"There St. John mingles with my friendly bowl
The feast of reason and the flow of soul."
The brew thus blended did not prove very exhilarating. Word passed round Opposition benches Land Bill not to be ruthlessly opposed at this stage. With Boanerges Russell approving it on behalf of Ulster farmers, won't do for Unionists to show themselves implacable. So the friendly bowl turns out to be something of the texture of a cup of tea, lukewarm and oversweetened withal. More sad even than compulsory meekness of two statesmen on front bench is depression of Saunderson. The Colonel must needs ramp in on such a question, but is pledged to fight with button on his foil. After this unwonted spectacle House could stand no more; gratefully gave leave to bring in Bill.
Business done.—Irish Land Bill brought in.
Tuesday.—Quite like old times to-night. The hum of the B's is heard once more in the land, albeit the thermometer registers ten degrees of frost, and every other Cabinet Minister is down with influenza. It is true Byrne and Butcher have not yet put in appearance; but Bartley is here and Tommy B., and Private Hanbury, who is perhaps more of a wasp than a bee. It is the sunshine of Committee of Supply that has brought them out. Came to the front in discussion round money voted for improvements in arrangements of House of Commons completed in recess. These were undertaken by direction of Select Committee, which thoroughly went into matter. Herbert Gladstone, who has taken to delicate duties of First Commissioner as if he had been born in one of the Parks, devoted much time and personal attention to seeing improvements carried out. Members coming back to labours of new Session found House swept and garnished. New dining-room and large smoking-room; baths and wash-houses, where Parliamentary dirty linen may be renovated.
Herbert too modest to anticipate vote of thanks for his labours, though almost any other man would in circumstances look for such recognition. Still, if something of that sort had been incidentally done, no one would have been much surprised. So far from any little embarrassment of that kind arising here, Hanbury, in deepest chest notes and most inflated manner, accusing him of undertaking large and costly works without first obtaining sanction of House.
"Most unconstitutional!" cries Tommy Bowles, in severest tones.
Ministry gone through long succession of crises since Session opened. Pulled through somehow; but this new unsuspected flank attack seemed irresistibly fatal. The buzzing of the B's was so interminable, 'Anbury was so hangry, that it seemed there really must be some fire under the smoke. Sidney Herbert chivalrously came to assistance of political adversaries, thanking First Commissioner on behalf of Kitchen Committee for what he had done.