(EXTRACTED FROM THE DIARY OF TOBY, M.P.)
_House of Commons, Monday, January 24th._--At Question time House
crowded in response to urgent Whip issued in anticipation of division on
Third Reading of Military Service Bill. Members ready to vote;
disinclined to remain to hear speeches, delivered on Second Reading and
Committee stages, reiterated by small minority on Report. Thus it came
to pass that when on stroke of half-past nine this milestone passed,
Benches were almost empty.
Filled up when Third Reading moved, and debate lamely set on foot again.
WALTER LONG, who has greatly helped BONAR LAW in his successful
management of Bill, set good example by moving Third Reading without
additional word of comment or argument. Example thrown away. More last
words spoken under embarrassing accompaniment of private conversation
and other signs of impatience.
Shortly after eleven o'clock division taken, revealing existence of
solid minority of three dozen. Oddly enough, whilst rattling majority on
Second Reading was hailed with enthusiastic cheering, that on Third
Reading was heard in silence, Members hurrying off in search of taxis.
_Business done._--By majority of 347, in House of 419 Members, Military
Service Bill read a third time and passed on to Lords.
_House of Lords, Tuesday._--Military Service Bill turned up for Second
Reading. Full attendance and a gathering of Commoners in their pen above
Bar seemed to indicate important debate. Turned out to be only less dull
than that which slumbered round closing stage in the Commons. LANSDOWNE
pluckily endeavoured to give note of novelty to topic by saying "not
what the Bill was but what it was not." Even this ingenious device did
not succeed in investing proceedings with anything approaching
animation.
The WEARY WEARDALE, who through long public life has tried in succession
both branches of the Legislature and found them equally withered, was
doubtful whether the measure would appreciably affect its avowed purpose
of increasing number of men with the Colours. With instinct of good
Liberal--in his time PHILIP STANHOPE was known in the Commons as an
almost dangerous Radical--he turned and rent "certain leaders who have
surrendered a precious principle and in so doing are undermining the
authority and existence of the whole Liberal Party." Still, though
prospect was gloomy, he would not despair.
"The Liberal Party," he said, "will rise again" (HALSBURY shook his head
doubtfully) "and will shed the leaders who have deserted it."
Having thus delivered his soul WEARY ONE did not challenge a division.
_Business done._--Military Service Bill read second time without
division.
_House of Commons, Wednesday._--Once more, the last time in history of
session of unparalleled length and importance, House crowded. Peers'
Gallery full. From Diplomatic Gallery the United States, Norway, Sweden,
Denmark and Holland, represented by their Ministers, looked on, eagerly
listening.
Resolution, moved by SHIRLEY BENN, urged Government to enforce against
enemy a blockade as effective as possible. In one of his comprehensive,
quietly delivered and powerful speeches EDWARD GREY showed that
situation is not so easily managed as amateur diplomatists below the
Gangway believe, or as fractious newspapers, bent on damaging the
Government even if the Empire falls, assert. Explained in detail steps
taken by Foreign Office to deal with it. House listened critically but
approvingly. Took note of fact that FIRST LORD OF ADMIRALTY emphatically
cheered denial of one of the malicious rumours current--that in the task
of preventing supplies reaching the enemy the Foreign Office spoils the
work of the Navy.
Sharp, almost angry burst of cheering greeted passage towards close of
speech in which FOREIGN SECRETARY declared that maximum effort in this
country, whether military, naval or financial, is at the disposal of our
Allies in carrying on the War against Prussian militarism.
"With them," he confidently but still quietly said, "we will see it
through to the end."
Speeches following expressed general satisfaction with this statement,
supplemented by one addressed to neutrals. Courteously assured them of
desire not to make things unnecessarily irksome. But pointed out that in
the matter of preventing supplies reaching the enemy by circuitous
routes Great Britain has her own work to do and means to do it
thoroughly.
_Business done._--Resolution advocating effective blockade talked out.
THURSDAY.--Parliament prorogued. Reversing CHARLES LAMB'S conscientious
habit at the India Office, where, having arrived late, he made up for it
by going away early, Parliament, having toiled through exceptionally
long Session, treats itself to briefest possible recess. Reassembles
15th February.
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[Illustration: REDUCED IMPORT OF PAPER: WHAT WE MAY COME TO.
_Mr. Runciman._ "AH, WELL, ONE MISSES THE OLD WEALTH OF FLATTERY; STILL,
ONE MUST MAKE SACRIFICES FOR ONE'S COUNTRY!"]
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