Thursday, June 3rd.—Sir Hamar Greenwood, who took his seat on Tuesday, answered Irish questions for the first time. His manner was as direct and forceful as ever, but his matter, unhappily, consisted chiefly in the admission of unpleasant facts regarding recent attacks upon the police, with the invariable addition that "no arrests have been made."
The hon. baronet who sits for Nottingham is so much impressed with the necessity for economy that he ought to be known as Rees angustæ. But he has no luck. Mr. Fisher offered the "frozen face" to his complaints that the State is giving free education at the Ministries to ex-Service men; and Mr. Shortt was no more sympathetic to his plea that the new policewomen should be abolished.
Mr. Lloyd George, looking delightfully cool in a new grey suit, made a welcome reappearance after some weeks' absence. He gave a version of the Krassin negotiations—which, according to his account, had followed exactly the course marked out by the Supreme Council in Paris and San Remo—very different from that presented in a section of the Press, and he implied that the alleged perturbation of French public opinion only existed in the imagination of "certain newspapers which are trying to foment ill-feeling between two countries whose friendliness is essential to the welfare of the world." His most satisfactory pronouncement was that British prisoners must be released before trade with Russia would be resumed.
In spite of the absence of the regular Opposition the First Lord of the Admiralty is finding the Government of Ireland Bill a rather unhandy vessel to steer. He dares not concede too many powers to the new Parliaments lest he should be putting weapons into the hands of our Sinn Fein enemies; on the other hand, he cannot reduce them overmuch lest the Bill should cease to have any chance of conciliating Irish sentiment.
The dilemma arose acutely over the clause relating to the Irish police. When, if ever, should they be handed over to the new Government? The Bill said not later than three years after the appointed day. An amendment suggested "not earlier." Sir Edward Carson thought the only fair thing would be to allow the police to retire on full pay directly the Bill came into force, instead of leaving them with a divided allegiance and control. Eventually, on the Government undertaking to modify their proposals, the clause was passed; but with so many matters to be adjusted on Report it looks as if it will be a Long, Long way to Tipperary.
"OH, EAST IS EAST."
Mechanical Transport Officer. "I told you not to drive fast through the bazaar."
Lorry Driver. "But, Sahib, these be only very ignorant peoples. ME mota driver! If drive slow, these peoples think me common person."