Celt, Home-Ruler, whatever we be,
"We all like Old Morali-tee."
Irish Land Purchase Bill first Order of day, but John Dillon moves Adjournment, to discuss goings on of Police in Tipperary. Prince Arthur, amidst constant interruptions, makes angry reply. His speech introduces variation on old Constitutional principle.
The Chairman of P. and O. after Remark from Mr. O'Brien.
"The Police," he says in effect, "can do no wrong—at least, in Ireland."
Mr. G. joins in demands for Parliamentary inquiry. William O'Brien, almost hoarse with rage, fulminates against Prince Arthur and all his works. But though apparently seethed in passion, does not lose presence of mind.
"I know," he shouted, "every Dissentient Liberal in this House," (here his copy of the Orders, which he had fashioned in rough shape resembling police baton, and flourished in dangerous fashion, came down with enormous thud on crown of hat of Tom Sutherland, who happened to be sitting just beneath him) "—and that's one," O'Brien continued.
"Surely," I said to him afterwards, "you didn't mean to call attention to the Chairman of the P. and O. in that fashion?"
"Not a bit of it. I was going to say, 'I know every Dissentient Liberal in this House will support the Government in the Division Lobby;' but when in the middle of the sentence I found I'd come down on Sutherland's hat, I thought it would make less fuss if I turned the remark in the way I left it."