There was an anxious moment when fisticuffs seemed imminent across the table in close proximity to shocked Mace. Carson making interruption (one of a continuous series), Premier thought it was Walter Long, and severely enjoined him to restrain himself. Long hotly retorted that he had not spoken. Angry cheers and counter-cheers resounded in opposing camps. Premier, accepting assurance of his mistake, apologised. Fisticuffs postponed.
Warned by experience, Premier took no notice when Moore of Armagh shouted, "Why do you funk a General Election?" or when later he received from same source disclaimer of belief in his sincerity; or when another Ulster Member characterised forceful passage in his speech as "Tomfoolery."
Fresh roar of cheering broke over excited host of Ministerialists when by way of last word Premier declared, "We are not going at the eleventh hour to betray a great cause."
Business done.—Proverbially swift descent from sublime to ridiculous. Demand of Opposition for instant disclosure of Ministerial plan altering Home Rule Bill met by Amendment from Liberal side declaring confidence in Government. This carried by majority of 73. When put as substantial Resolution eleven o'clock had struck. No opposed business may be taken after that hour. House accordingly forthwith adjourned. Record of night's business in Journals of House prepared for perusal of posterity is comprehended in word "That——"
Thursday.—House puzzled by question on Paper standing in name of H. P. Croft. Member for Christchurch desires "to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has received petitions in favour of immediate legislation dealing with imported plumage through all or any of the Prime Ministers of the States of Australia."
How, why and under what circumstances plumage should be "imported through" Prime Ministers of the Australian Commonwealth no one can guess. Generally agreed that, if such painful procedure actually be the Colonial custom, prohibitive legislation cannot be too soon undertaken.
Sydney Holland, for many years the prop and stay of the London Hospital, has taken his seat in the House of Lords on accession to the Viscountcy of Knutsford. Apart from hereditary claim, he is the ideal type of the class of peer whom reformers on both sides look to for restoration of the prestige and usefulness of the Upper Chamber. Nevertheless it is hoped he will not give up to Westminster what was meant for mankind—the splendid devotion of capacity and energy to the service of the sick poor of London.
Business done.—In Committee on Supplementary Estimates.