Thursday.—Dr. Tanner and Alderman Fowler both in their places at Question Time. First business on paper was Adjourned Debate on Old Morality's Motion to suspend Tanner for a month. Sexton gave notice to haul up the Alderman on charge similar to that which hung over meek head of Tanner. Tanner in apologetic mood, but the Alderman defiant. In course of debate Howell, alleged victim of Alderman's minatory observations, attempted to introduce the subject. Tanner debate been on for hour and half; began to flag a little. Time seemed opportune for serving up the Alderman. But Speaker peremptorily interposed, and would have none of it. Sufficient for the day was the Tanner thereof, and so the Alderman, a pillar of the Church, a mainstay of the State, must go down to posterity under charge of having used naughty words in the Lobby.
"We've lost two hours' precious time."
Tanner episode proved lively enough. Tanner apologised for language used to Walter Long, and duly expressed his regret. All eyes turned upon Old Morality. Expected, as Leader of House, to interpose, and bring unsavoury proceedings to swift close—and so, let us go to business. But O. M. let Long slip in with correction of Tanner's version of what had passed. Squabbled for half-an-hour as to what had really been said. House got its back up. Opportunity for controlling it passed. Storm grew higher as moments slipped by. Harcourt in his element, thumping the table and shouting at top of his voice in effort, sometimes vain, to make himself heard amid clamour on opposite benches. Finally, Whitbread appealed to Speaker to give his opinion. This awkward for Speaker, who must needs offend one or other of angry parties. Acquitted himself admirably. With infinite tact expressed his opinion that, as contended from Opposition Benches, Tanner's apology "formal, distinct, and unreserved." Rather a snub this for Old Morality and Hartington, who had backed him up. But decision unanimously accepted, and the smile which Bigwood reported he had "seen on the countenance of Dr. Tanner" when first addressed in Lobby by Long, returned.
"We've lost two hours' precious time," said Kennaway, walking out, "and the only person that's made anything out of it is Tanner. A week ago was in low water, snubbed by his own friends, for whom his conduct was too bad. Now elevated to position of persecuted hero, made the subject of elaborate debate, dragged Government into fresh muddle, and brought upon them rebuke from highest authority in the House."
Business done.—Got into Committee on Land Bill.
Friday.—House assembled this afternoon at Waterloo Station, bound for Portsmouth and Southampton, to see the Review.
Business done.—Took return-tickets.
"Dear me!" said Mrs. Ram, "I always thought that Margarine was a foreign title. Wasn't there a Margarine of Hesse?"