But precedents are nothing when the bosom is deeply stirred.
"Can't the Chancellor of the Duchy make an effort to secure a seat?" Barnston asked in tremulous voice.
"He has made two already," retorted the practical Premier.
Then came along Watt, with cryptic inquiry breaking silence that brooded over Ministerial benches.
"Has the time not arrived," he asked, "to jettison Jonah, in view of the fact that nobody seems willing to swallow him but the whale?"
House left thinking the matter over.
Business done.—House of Lords passed Third Reading of transformed Home Rule Amendment Bill. In the Commons Budget Bill again dealt with in Committee. Sharp strictures from both sides. But Ministerialists who had come to criticise remained to vote in its favour. Majority accordingly maintained at normal level.
Wednesday.—Son Austen, who little more than a fortnight ago left the House Member for East Worcester, returned to-day representing the division of Birmingham where his father sat impregnably throned for uninterrupted period of twenty-nine years. As he walked up to Table to take the oath and sign afresh the roll of Parliament, was hailed by hearty burst of general cheering.
This rare. Common enough for one or other political party to welcome recruit to its ranks. On such occasions, the other side sit silent, save when especial circumstances elicit responsive bout of ironical cheering. To-day's demonstration afforded striking recognition of genuine merit modestly displayed.
Ever a difficult thing for young Member to be son of distinguished father also seated in the House. Position to be sustained only by exercise of qualities of mind and manner rarely combined. Whilst his father yet enthralled attention and admiration of House by supreme capacity Son Austen successfully faced the ordeal. After Don José's withdrawal from the scene his son's advance to a leading place in the councils of his party and the estimation of the House was rapid. Within limits of present Session he has shown increased power as a debater, promising attainment of still loftier heights. Ever courteous in manner, untainted by the "new style" deplored by Premier, he, though an uncompromising party man, has made no personal enemies among any section of his political opponents.