In readiness for the Prime Minister's anticipated statement, Lord Milner had put down a motion in the House of Lords in favour of compulsory service for all men of military age; and, despite the changed circumstances, he persisted in moving it, and made an admirable speech in its support. Lord Crewe, indeed, found it unanswerable for the time being, as Downing Street was "still thinking." He could not say when its thoughts would be resolved into decision, but hoped it might be to-morrow—or, if not to-morrow, Thursday—or, if not Thursday, then perhaps Monday. Lord Crewe has not sat at Mr. Asquith's feet all these years without catching something of his methods.
Wednesday, April 19th.—The House was even more crowded and anxious than yesterday. In the Peers' Gallery a dim figure, carrying a bunch of primroses and looking astonishingly like Mr. Dennis Eadie, was heard to murmur, "I wonder whether England loves Coalitions any more than she did in my time." The present Prime Minister appears to think that she does, for, after remarking that continued disagreement on material points threatened a breakup of the Government, he ventured to describe that contingency as a national disaster. The Liberals thought so too, and cheered loudly; the Unionists were not quite so sure, and Sir Edward Carson, beside whom sat Col. Churchill, looking as if he had never heard of Ulster, indicated that, while he would be the last man to refuse the Government time for repentance and reformation, he would in the meantime keep his Resolution on the Paper for use if necessary when the House met again.
First Stoker (weary). "I'd like to find the merchant 'oo invented boilers!"
Second Stoker (also weary). "Boilers be blowed! I'm lookin' for the blighter 'oo found out that coal would burn."
"Wanted. Reliable Woman to Wash Mondays, 2s. 6d. daily."—Llanelly Star.
Some Mondays are so black.