Business done.—Supply.
"If a man touches pitch," &c.
Tuesday.—Seems Tanner not the only Member who has been "saying things" in the Lobby. Alderman Fowler accused of having sinned in a similar way against Howell. Irish Members gleefully taken up case. Sexton gave notice that on Thursday, when Motion for suspension of Tanner comes on, he will move that Fowler be also suspended for a month. "They can go away together for a month in the country," Tim Healy says; "or might take a trip to Norway. Anyhow, they'll be able to pair for the remainder of the Session."
Fowler makes light of the threat, but not at all a pleasant thing. Parliamentary life, as a whole, getting rather a weariness to the flesh. Only the other day he was sat upon in connection with the manufacture of bogus petitions, now is to be brought up for using bad language in the Lobby. Wishes he'd been made a Jubilee Peer.
After questions, gallant little Wales came up, piping its eye. Thirty-one men been arrested in connection with Tithe Riots near Ruthin. Government, having got into swing in Ireland, proposed to change the venue, and try prisoners by Special Jury. Ellis moved Adjournment in order to protest. Backed up by Osborne Morgan, Harcourt, Dillwyn, and others. On other side, Attorney-General justified course taken, and Solicitor-General declared Osborne Morgan's speech "a scandal to the House of Commons." Idea of Osborne Morgan creating a scandal shocked the House; Clarke obliged to withdraw remark, and apologise.
Gem of the evening was Swetenham's speech. Delightful the ease and fluency with which he pronounced such words as Llanymrech and Llansaintfraid, and others guiltless of a vowel. Delicious the way in which he ogled Osborne Morgan, slily insinuating his intimate knowledge of the criminal classes. What with his remarks, and the accusation of the Solicitor-General, House began to think there was more in Osborne Morgan than met the eye, and that it had, unawares, been nursing a viper in its bosom.
Business done.—Supply.
