"Can't eat your cake and have it, you know," Old Morality said, unconsciously forming the words on his copy of the Orders in large copy-book hand, "Mustn't play fast and loose with custodians of the Union. Oughtn't to look back when you put your hand to the plough. Should go the whole hog or none." These and other comforting phrases he wrote out in best copper-plate, filling up time whilst House cleared for Division. But when Tellers came back, and it was known that Resolution was carried against Government, clouds passed away.
Old Morality tore up his copy-book headings, thrust hands in pockets; assumed truculently jovial air; nearly died of laughing when Speaker announced figures showing Government had been defeated by 13. His hilarity contagious. Mr. Biddulph standing for a moment in the doorway below the shadow of the Gallery, looked on, his face slowly broadening into responsive smile.
"Well," said he, "of all the rollicking dogs I ever came across, there never was a pack to equal Her Majesty's Ministers in the hour of defeat."
Business done.—Buchanan's Right of Way Motion carried against Government by 110 against 97.
Wednesday.—"I like this quite quiet hour, Toby," said the Speaker, as I sat on the Treasury Bench, he at Table, waiting for a quorum. "It gives me opportunity of reading in Freeman's Journal verbatim reports of speeches by Tanner, Sheehy, and William Redmond. Heard them delivered, of course; but there are some pleasures one likes to renew."
Should have begun business at twelve; now getting on for one. Albert Rollit in charge of Bankruptcy Bill with back to wall waiting for a quorum. "Must see," he says, "if I can't frame Clause dealing specially with Parliamentary proceedings. We shall shortly be bankrupt here if this sort of thing goes on. Composition of four and a-half hours' sitting on Wednesday afternoon scarcely enough to justify honourable discharge."
Everything comes to man who waits. Quorum came for Rollit. Numbers increased as he proceeded with singularly lucid address, investing even Bankruptcy with subtle charms. Gave the tone to thoroughly business Debate; and, even in less than the maimed period of time allotted, had carried his Bill through Second Reading.
Business done.—Bankruptcy Bill read Second Time.
Thursday.—John O'Connor pervading House with profoundest mystery. When Orders of Day called on, John rose to his full height (6 foot 4 of human kindness and geniality), and said, "Mr. Speaker!" Motion was, that House should go into Committee of Supply. According to New Rules, Speaker leaves Chair without putting Question; Question not put, obvious no one could discuss it. But here was John insisting on catching the Speaker's eye.
"Mr. Speaker!" he repeated, "I want to discuss some of the irregularities of the Government."