In the Commons Robert Cecil, interposing in ordered business of Supply, moves adjournment with view of calling attention to "growing danger created in Ireland by existence of volunteer forces and failure of Government to deal with situation." It is plurality of situation that disturbs philosophical mind. As long as there was but one volunteer force, its locality confined to Ulster, its purpose to defeat Home Rule Bill, its commander-in-chief Carson, it was well. Nay more, it was patriotic. But when Ulster's challenge, uttered by one hundred thousand armed men, is answered by the South and West of Ireland with creation of an army exceeding that number, whole aspect is altered. Now, as in the time when "Measure for Measure" was written—
That in the captain's but a choleric word
Which in the soldier is flat blasphemy,
Opposition, to a man, stand up to support Lord Bob's demand that matter shall be discussed as one of urgent public importance.
In course of animated speech Lord Bob delighted House by equalling, if not going one better than, the late Lord Cross's historic jeu d'esprit.
"I hear an hon. member smile," said Grand Cross on a memorable occasion.
"I wish," said Lord Bob to-night, sternly regarding hilarious Ministerialists, "those laughs could be photographed and shown throughout the country."
Suggestion will doubtless not be lost on enterprising purveyors of cinematograph shows.
There was another opportunity for the snap-shotter when, Lord Bob lamenting the "ingrained frivolity of the Radicals in this grave crisis," Arthur Markham interposed with Supplementary Question.
"What about Satan rebuking sin?" he asked.