Throughout ten minutes he was on his legs Murray, in unconscious sympathy with the hearse plumes that nodded over him from the side gallery at his back, spoke in funereal note. In the Commons so frank a confession, so ample an apology, would have been accepted with burst of general cheering. Shrewd Members know that an assured method of gaining temporary popularity is to commit a breach of order and take early opportunity of withdrawing anything offensive that may have been said, apologising for anything unseemly that may have been done. When, for example, Ronald M'Neill apologised for having chucked at the head of the First Lord of the Admiralty a book containing rules for preservation of order in debate, he was almost rapturously cheered.
Chilliness of the graveyard froze round Murray as he read carefully prepared statement. When he sat down, faint murmur of applause rose from scanty muster on Liberal side. No sound, whether of approval or disapproval, broke the stillness of the serried benches opposite.
Effect contagious. Lansdowne almost inaudible. Crewe quite so. Strangers at back of gallery, hearing no voice and seeing the Noble Lord standing at the table nervously wringing his hands and twiddling his fingers, thought he was conversing with the Leader of the Opposition by means of the deaf and dumb alphabet.
Ampthill above these evidences of human weakness. Lansdowne in characteristically chivalrous manner suggested that motion for Committee should be withdrawn, affording opportunity to Noble Lords to consider Murray's statement and the best course to be taken upon it. Ampthill not allured by such considerations. As he shrewdly remarked, if he consented to withdraw his motion it could not be revived. All he would consent to was not to insist upon proceeding with business at to-day's sitting. Stipulated that his opportunity should not be hampered by "unavoidable delay."
On this understanding House adjourned, hoarse plumes in side galleries forlornly nodding themselves out.
Business done.—Lloyd George at bay in the Commons. His famous Budget attacked afresh on motion of Amendment to Address. Ananias and Sapphira personally mentioned in course of debate. Amendment negatived by 301 votes against 213.
Thursday.—Upon inquiry and reflection Lansdowne discovered that in matter of proposed Marconi Committee Ampthill is in fuller accord with opinion of majority on his side of House than himself. Accordingly, adopts Ampthill's motion and moves it. Crewe offering no opposition, Committee appointed without division.
In Commons, just after 11 o'clock, news came of defeat of Masterman in Bethnal Green. Turns out there was more in Worthington Evans's assumption of "the inky cloak, good mother" than on Monday met the eye. Boisterous scene of exultation in Unionist camp, jubilant cries of "Resign, Resign." "Resign!" growled Sark. "Why should Wilson resign a seat just won? It is true it was in a three-cornered fight, and by a majority of twenty-four he represents minority of electors. But the seat is his, and of course he'll keep it."
Curious how obtuse Sark can be upon occasion.
Business done.—Debate on Address agreed to in Commons. Forthwith set to on Estimates. Work cut out till 31st March. After that Home Rule and the Deluge.