THE LATE PARLIAMENTARY HARVEST.
(Facsimile of Sketch by Our Out-of-Town Special.)
ESSENCE OF PARLIAMENT.
EXTRACTED FROM
THE DIARY OF TOBY, M.P.
House of Commons, Monday August 22.—Peers at last face the inevitable. As records have shown there has been for week or two no work for them to do. Still, they have eased their tender consciences by assembling to see Halsbury take the Woolsack. (Always a pleasing spectacle. Innate grace of Lord Chancellor comes out in every step and gesture.) To-night there was, as usual, nothing to do; but Noble Lords really could not again make believe that Nation could not get on without them. So stayed away, and for one night House of Lords abolished.
In Commons at hour for commencing public business barely a quorum present. Both Front Bench and Treasury Bench vacant. George Balfour, always ready to throw himself into breach, took possession of seat of Leader of Opposition, and calmly gazed across table. Never should it be said as long as he had seat in House that Liberals were as sheep without a shepherd. Few Members on back benches visibly brightened up at sight of veteran volunteer.
Only a few questions, but unwonted difficulty in getting through them. Some cases the questioner not present. In others Minister addressed not yet arrived. McArthur had question down pretty early in list. Speaker called upon him. No response. Went on to next question. Quarter of an hour later, all other questions run through. McArthur coming in put his question to Parliamentary Secretary for Foreign Affairs. Fergusson, who had also just arrived, supposing that McArthur had put question in due course, apologised to him for not having been in his place; whereat House laughed uproariously. Very grateful in these times for anything that looks like joke.
P. Stanhope brought under notice of Home Secretary case of enterprising parish constable in North Hunts. P.C., a supporter of Her Majesty's Government, resented Liberal candidate presenting himself before constituency. Determined he should not be heard. Brought down enormous rattle; swung it about throughout candidate's speech. Joseph Gillis pricked up his ears. What a notion this would be for adaptation to Parliamentary usage! Suppose he had rattle and swung it whilst Saunderson or Johnston were speaking? Will consult Speaker as to how far this would be in order. Home Secretary declined to be responsible for either parish constable or his rattle.