These debates on the Royal Grants were, perhaps, the most animated of Session. Vote for Royal Family of course granted, but in face of significant minority of 116. Gladstone supported Government, marching into Lobby against large majority of his own following, who turned aside with the Incorruptible Sage. Oddest thing of all was to behold Irish Members voting with the Court Party—Joseph Gillis going out shoulder to shoulder with Arthur Balfour, and Tay Pay hobnobbing with Old Morality.
After this the Session languished. Old Morality expedited business by announcing that no fresh measures of importance would be taken. Members began to clear out, and early close of Session seemed imminent. But, towards end of July, when everybody thought business would be wound up, the Tithes Bill brought in, and stubbornly pressed. A difficult position for the Government. Bill hotly opposed by Liberals, and not loved by Conservatives. Gray, Conservative Member for Maldon, moved crucial Amendment, which was negatived only by critical majority of four in a House of 286 Members. Nevertheless Government still stuck to framework of Bill. Attorney-General tabled batch of Amendments which transmogrified the Measure. On 16th of August House faced by practically new Bill. This made matters no better. Liberals mollified, Conservatives angry. Next day, amid storm of jeering, borne with characteristic calmness by Old Morality, he withdrew the Measure.
After this it was all over, even the shouting, and on the very last day of August the Session of 1889 came to a close. Its final hours, otherwise peaceful, were fluttered by promise of a Measure endowing an Irish University, whereat there was much spluttering in political circles.
HYPNOTISM—A MODERN PARISIAN ROMANCE. (In Four Chapters.)
| American Billionairess. "M. le Docteur, I see the Duc de Sept-Cadrans is a Patient of yours. I want him to Propose to my Daughter. A—any Fee that—a——" Professor of Hypnotism. "Madam, I vill ypnotise M. le Duc. Ve shall see!——" | "Sorry to trouble you again so soon, Monsieur? But my Daughter declares she won't accept M. le Duc, just because he's a Hunchback, an Idiot, and a Pauper!" "Madam, leave it to me. I vill ypnotise also your Daughter!" |
| The American Billionairess becomes Madame la Duchesse de Sept-Cadrans. She and her Husband are happy, although she has no Money, and there is no such Dukedom as Sept-Cadrans, for they have not yet lost their Illusions about each other. | And her lovely Daughter is now the proud and adoring Wife of the great Hypnotic Scientist, who thereby becomes an American Billionaire. They move in the smartest Society in Paris, and manage to do a great deal of good. |