The Macgregor proposes to "toss the Caber"—next Session!
Lord Chancellor didn't happen to have it in his waistcoat pocket or secreted in wig. Markiss gave notice that he would to-night formally move for production of report. Flutter of interest in House. Commons flocked in prepared for some fresh "blazing indiscretion." Found the Markiss sitting on woolsack chatting with Lord Chancellor. Held book between them, as young persons about to marry are wont to do when attending morning or evening service. Vague idea that presently they would rise and sing a hymn. Lord Chancellor quite equal to it, being a big gun at the Bar Musical Society and very fond of the Opera. Nothing however came of it, at least, not in that direction. When hour for public business arrived Markiss left woolsack carrying the tune book with him. His motion for report of Judicial Committee stood half way down Orders of the Day. When it was reached Markiss said nothing. Naturally other peers were silent, and whilst commoners accustomed to other ways of transacting business were marvelling as to what had happened, and what would follow, House adjourned, practically for a week.
"Well," said Sark for once nonplussed; "certainly if there is a place in the world where 'e don't know where 'e are, it's the House of Lords. When a peer is expected to speak he sits dumb. When arrangements have been made for a quiet sitting, the Markiss or some other big gun is sure to go off unexpectedly with alarming consequences."
Business done.—Irish Evicted Tenants Bill passed Report Stage in Commons.
Tuesday.—It is the unexpected that happens in the House of Commons. Befel to-night with dramatic suddenness. Third reading of Evicted Tenants Bill moved. At eleven o'clock Joseph resumed his seat with pleased consciousness of having cast some balm, in the shape of vitriol, over Irish Question. House crowded; Devonshire, in depression and dinner dress, looked down from Peers' Gallery. Over the clock sat Sandhurst, presently to move first reading of Bill in House of Lords. Arranged Bill should finally leave Commons to-night. Only one hour in which Prince Arthur might speak, and John Morley reply. Joseph having despatched his final arrow at his old friends the Irish Members, the shaft being barbed with points composing pleasing legend, "Violence, Agitation, Dishonesty," Prince Arthur rose, with evident intent of showing, as has happened several times this Session, how the same sort of thing may be said with better effect in quite another way.
Simultaneously from below gangway uprose the tall figure of John Dillon. Opposition roared with despairing indignation. Everything settled, to last button on the gaiter; Joseph had had his half-hour; Prince Arthur would take his, honourably leaving John Morley his thirty minutes. Then Division called; Bill read third time; sent on to Lords; Commons comfortably home by half-past twelve. And here was John Dillon claiming the right to reply to attacks and inuendos of the genial Joseph!
Tumult rose; Dillon folded his arms and faced it. A bad sign that gesture. Remember it in years gone by, when all things were topsy-turvey; when Forster was Chief Secretary, and, next to Parnell, the hope of the Irish Members fighting for Home Rule was Joseph Chamberlain.
Dillon in that attitude evidently immoveable; various suggestions offered. Evade the Twelve o'Clock Rule, and sit till all was over; adjourn the Debate. Finally agreed that Debate should be adjourned till to-morrow—to-morrow, the day on which, at end of last real fight of Session, most Members were off on the delayed holiday.
Out of this dilemma Prince Arthur delivered a grateful House. Had prepared his speech through long sitting; doubtless had many bright things to say; but what was one speech among so many? Perish his speech, rather than the whole arrangements of Parliamentary week be upset. So gracefully stood aside; Dillon took his half hour; John Morley followed in vigorous fighting form, marking fresh step in steady improvement as Parliamentary debater; and before midnight all was over.
Business done.—Evicted Tenants Bill read third time by 199 votes against 167.