Geologists talk learnedly about the immense antiquity of what they call "the Coal measures." The modern coal-measures, needed now, are measures for arming our Coaling Stations.
ESSENCE OF PARLIAMENT.
From the Notes of a Colleague of the Member for Barkshire.
House of Commons, Monday, August 29.—I was afraid that Toby would give himself a holiday. For some time since the Whips have kept an uneasy eye upon the most independent, the most talented, the most industrious of their following. And now he has gone! "He will return—I know he will," before the end of the Session; but for the moment he is away—the deadly dulness that prevailed at Westminster a fortnight since was too much for him; and so I follow him in the House—be it well understood, at a respectful distance. His absence will not be pleasing to any one—even the sprightly Akers Douglas, forgetting for the moment the destination of votes, will regret him. But, as he good-naturedly observes, under the impression that he is adapting Shakspeare to the exigencies of the situation, "Votes may come and votes may go, but the Session seemingly goes on for ever!"
A. Ak-rs D--gl-s.
To return to August 29. The Patriots have determined it shall be a grand week for the "Ould Counthry." Many previous weeks have been equally grand weeks, or as they would put it "months." When the Speaker took his seat, scarcely a quorum present. Ministerialists "in reserve," (like policemen when some one writes to tell Sir C. Warren he is going to demonstrate in Trafalgar Square) in various parts of the House. Gladstonian Whips well en évidence to act as guides to sole representatives of the Non-Dissentient Liberals, Woodall and Childers.
Unprejudiced North Briton Douglas Crawford has a question for young Northcote about pig-iron and coal. Seemingly Scotch firms have been overlooked. Surveyor-General of Ordnance very gravely answers question, goes home and tenders his resignation, "in consequence of recommendation of Committee reporting upon War Office organising and suggesting changes." Northcote had enough of it. Couldn't even say something funny about "burning questions re coal generally ending in smoke."