At Evening Sitting, Bob Reid brought on Motion raising sort of British Land Question. Wants to empower Town Councils and County Councils in England and Scotland to acquire, either by agreement or compulsorily, such land within their district as may be needed for the requirements of the inhabitants. House naturally shocked to find a Member proposing to discuss any phase of Land Question apart from Ireland. Interposition of Great Britain in this connection regarded as impertinence. Compromise arrived at; agreed to leave out Scotland. On these terms Debate went forward.
The Emphatic Noes.
Chaplin in charge of case for Government. At last, in his natural position, temporary Leader of the House.
Chaplin (aside), "Glamis and Thane of Cawdor! the greatest is behind."
How different from ancient days and nights, when he sat below Gangway in corner seat, that is, when he could get it. Couldn't always; sometimes presumptuous person forestalled him. Even when there, with notes of treasured speech in swelling breast pocket, by no means certain he would find opportunity of convincing House. Others step in, and edge him on into ignominious dinner hour. Now a Minister of the Crown, with a new Department created for his control; to-night in charge of Government business. Old Morality off early, full of restful confidence.
"Chaplin's looking after things," he said, as he made himself comfortable in his room. "Needn't bother; all will go right. Great thing for a First Minister to have a man he can thoroughly depend on."
"At least, Toby," Chaplin said, "those were his remarks as reported to me. I will not deny that they are gratifying."
At the proper time—at his own time—the Minister for Agriculture rose, and, positively pervading the premises, utterly demolished Bob Reid, his supporters, his arguments, and his resolution.
"Chaplin," said John Morley, watching him with admiring glance, "always reminds me of Victor Hugo's description of the Rev. Ebenezer Caudray. You remember him in Les Travailleurs de la Mer? Haven't the book with me, but translation runs something like this:—'He had the gracefulness of a page, mingled with the dignity of a Bishop.' Never knew that Victor Hugo was personally acquainted with Chaplin; but he certainly here hits off his characteristics in a phrase."