Had not Premier within the last twelve months frequently declared he would never consent to exclusion of Ulster from Home Rule Bill? And wasn't he now showing signs of disposition to surrender?
Business done.—Parliament reassembles. Walter Long, on behalf of Opposition, moves amendment to Address, calling upon Government to appeal to country before proceeding further with Home Rule Bill.
Wednesday.—Interest of sitting centred in speeches of Carson and John Redmond. Former met with rousing reception from Opposition. Some Ministerialists would have liked to join in the demonstration, not because they share Carson's views or admire his policy, but because they instinctively feel admiration for a man of commanding position who has sacrificed personal and professional interests to what he regards as the well-being of his country. Esteem increased by merit of his speech. Only once did he lapse into tone and manner of personal attack familiar to House when Ulster Members and Nationalists, hating each other for love of their country, join in debate. Turning round to top bench below Gangway, where John Redmond sat attentive, he said: "If you want Ulster, come and take her, or come and win her. But you have never wanted her affections; you have wanted her taxes."
This stung to the quick. Redmond, leaping to his feet when Carson resumed his seat, hotly denounced accusation as unworthy of his countryman.
House already began to show signs of satiety. Long intervals when benches were empty. Cousin Hugh, speaking at favourable hour of six o'clock, failed to attract an audience to whom he might present his cheering forecast of an interval of six weeks spent in listening to speeches of Members below the Gangway, "poked up by the Chancellor of the Exchequer to attack the First Lord of the Admiralty." Benches crowded whilst Carson and Redmond spoke. Filled up again when Chancellor of Exchequer in brief speech wound up debate on behalf of Government, and Bonner Law, as usual unencumbered by notes, replied.
Business done.—Demand for immediate dissolution negatived by 333 votes against 255. Opposition elate at reduced majority.
"I fancy," said Premier, smiling serenely upon the Winsome Winston, "they would gladly suffer from our complaint."
House of Lords, Thursday.—Noble Lords, having disposed of Address, already find themselves in condition of frozen-out gardeners who have no work to do. Session but a few days old has already afforded fresh sign of disposition to belittle hereditary Chamber.
"Noble Lords already find themselves in condition of frozen-out gardeners who have no work to do."