"The one thing borne home to me was what a genius the Irish people have for admiring each other."—Mr. Birrell.
All very well for Duchy of Lancaster. Its affairs in strong capable hands. But that does little to assuage grief of Worthington-Evans. For months before the day when Masterman, greatly daring, exchanged safe position of Secretary of Treasury for dizzy heights of Duchy of Lancaster, Worthington-Evans was daily accustomed to pose him with questions as to working of Insurance Act. In Masterman's enforced absence from House Wedgwood Benn placed in charge of Insurance Act Department. Does a difficult business exceedingly well. Has earned approval from both sides of House. But Worthington-Evans is inconsolable. His feelings find expression in couple of lines, learned at his mother's knee, descriptive of anguish of blind boy parted from his brother by ruthless hand of death:—
Oh, give my brother back to me;
I cannot play alone.
Visibly brightened up on eve of Ipswich election, which seemed to promise return of the wanderer. As to-night he sits forlorn in corner seat below Gangway to left of Speaker, gazing sadly at corner of Treasury bench opposite (once amply filled by figure of former Secretary of Treasury), Stephen Gwynne, seated next to him, gently nudges Butcher, and with softened memories of Peggotty contemplating Mrs. Gummidge in exceptionally low spirits, whispers, "He's thinking of the old 'un."
Business done.—After brief unsparkling debate Plural Voters Bill read a third time. Hostile amendment moved from Front Opposition Bench negatived by 320 votes against 242. Bill passed final stage without division.
Tuesday.—Home Rule fills the bill in both Houses. The Lords, back from brief holiday, protest against delay in introducing Amending Bill. In vigorous speech Lansdowne insists on early day being named. Crewe, wringing his hands over unreasonable ways of some people, promises Tuesday next. Adds that, if upon consideration of proposed amendments noble lords should require longer interval before Second Reading of parent measure than is provided by original fixture for 30th June, there will be no objection to postponement.
"I don't know whether the hon. Member regards me as a particularly frivolous person."
Lord Robert Cecil.