Debate unexpectedly decorous, not to say decidedly dull. Tim Healy did something to lift it out of rut. But he was more concerned to belabour John Redmond and to dig Devlin in the ribs than to argue merits of measure. Taunted his much-loved fellow-patriot and countryman with facing both ways on question of exclusion of Ulster. Attorney-General declared that Premier's offer of exclusion for period of six years was still open. Redmond, believing it was dead, had, Tim said, prepared its coffin, "and now the Attorney-General comes along and forces fresh oxygen into the corpse."
As for Devlin, he was introduced accidentally at end of harangue. Had interposed comment inaudible to main body of House, but safely assumed not to be complimentary. William O'Brien turned round with angry retort.
"There is," mused Tim, "one gentleman from whom on historical grounds I had expected firmness in regard to Ulster. It is the gentleman who has just interrupted me, and the grounds of expectation are that in ancient time downward from the flight of the earls the Devlins were the hereditary horse-boys of the O'Neills."
Remark perhaps scarcely relevant to Home Rule Bill or motion for its Second Reading. But it soothed Tim and didn't hurt Devlin.
Birrell having made cheery speech on situation generally, Peto rose with amiable intention of continuing debate. House had had enough of it. Persistently cried aloud for division. Amid hubbub Peto shouted dissatisfaction at top of his voice. Unequal contest maintained for only a few minutes, when McKenna in charge of business of House during absence of his elders nipped in with motion for Closure.
This carried, Long's amendment negatived by 356 votes against 276. Majority for Government, 80. Motion for Second Reading unchallenged; amid prolonged cheering from Ministerialists and Irish Nationalists Bill read a second time.
If only Sir Edward Carson belonged to some other oppressed nationality—Armenia, for instance!
Business done.—For third time in course of three successive sessions Home Rule Bill passes Second Reading stage.
Tuesday.—Browning, longing to be in England "now that April's there," would have been disappointed had it been possible for him to turn up to-day. So dark and dank that at three o'clock, when Questions opened, electric light was turned on. Revealed dreary array of half-empty benches. Had Closure been promptly moved a count out inevitable.