ESSENCE OF PARLIAMENT.
(Extracted from the Diary of Toby, M.P.)
House of Commons, Monday, June 15.—In the mid seventies, when dear Johnny Toole was at height of well-earned fame, he for a while played three several parts on the same night. Bold advertisement announced "Toole in Three Pieces." Being just the kind of joke that has the widest run over the low level of mediocrity, it filled the gallery and upper boxes.
To-night it was recalled with fresh application. House privileged to see Premier in Three Pieces. For some weeks he has appeared at Question time in dual character as Prime Minister and Secretary of State for War. To-night takes on duties of absent Chancellor of Duchy of Lancaster. His versatility as marvellous as his industry. In response to group of five questions addressed to him "as representing the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster," bristles with minute information respecting number of livings in gift of the Duchy in West Riding of Yorkshire, together with amount of income of each benefice and nature of the security. Equally master of intricate case of the calamity overshadowing the Pontefract Cricket Club whose playing pitch has been damaged through subsidence caused by underground workings.
"I believe the Almighty has endowed us all with a certain amount of brains; but we don't all use them." (Cheers).—Mr. Tickler in the debate on the Plural Voting Bill.
Situation raised nice questions as to responsibility of the underground leaseholder and the prospect of compensation from coal royalties. Premier as fully informed on these subjects as later he proved himself when by way of Supplementary Question Amery, with pretty air of one really in search of elementary information, inquired "In whose hands is the government of Ireland at the present moment?" "In the hands of His Majesty's Ministers," said Asquith.
