(EXTRACTED FROM THE DIARY OF TOBY, M.P.)
_House of Commons, Monday, August 31._--The peace in the Parliamentary
arena which passed the understanding of the KAISER and went far to foil
his plans, is temporarily broken.
Moving adjournment PREMIER reminded House of actual situation concerning
Home Rule Bill and Welsh Disestablishment Bill. But for the outbreak of
war Parliament would have been prorogued at least a fortnight ago and,
by automatic procedure under Parliament Act, these measures would have
been added to Statute Book. On outbreak of war political parties, amid
plaudits of the Country, patriotically put aside partisan tactics and
presented a united front to the common foe.
As PREMIER reminded House this afternoon, three weeks ago he declared
desire that no party in any quarter of the House should gain advantage
or should suffer prejudice from the temporary suspension of domestic
controversy. When this was resumed, matters should be taken up and
proceeded with exactly at the point and under the conditions at which
they were left. The main feature of such conditions was the avowed
intention of the Government to place the two Bills on Statute Book, hope
being cherished of arrival at friendly settlement by means of Amending
Bill.
This simple uncontrovertible statement of familiar facts quietly
listened to. No note of contradiction broke the silence. BONAR LAW
frankly accepted the situation as set forth by the PREMIER. Expressed
hope that in the interval between adjournment and resumption of sittings
some means would be found of avoiding renewal of controversy which he
described as "a disgrace to the House," adding, amid general cheers,
"The country will not readily forgive those who are responsible."
JOHN REDMOND assumed that if the proposal to reach a friendly settlement
failed the intention of the Government to place the two Bills upon the
Statute Book remained in force. This obvious assumption, based upon
reiterated statements from the Treasury Bench, drew assenting cheer from
Ministerialists.
It was here PRINCE ARTHUR interfered. Amid angry interruption he asked
Members opposite to "consider whether it is possible decently to
introduce subjects of acute political discussion in the present
circumstances." Lively talk followed, showing that the bitterness of
Home Rule controversy is not dead or even sleeping.
What might have developed into discreditable scene of the kind
deprecated by PRINCE ARTHUR was averted by interposition Of the PREMIER.
In gravest tone, "with all the solemnity I can command," he besought the
House to bring the discussion to a close.
Appeal irresistible. House turned to disposal of remaining business,
remaining at work till half-an-hour after midnight.
_Business done._--Adjourned till Wednesday in next week.
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Illustration: OUR VILLAGE INFORMATION BUREAU.
_Postmaster (to lady who has handed in a telegram in French to a friend
in Switzerland)._ "WE AIN'T ALLOWED TO ACCEPT FOREIGN TELEGRAMS, MISS.
THERE'S A WAR ON--ON THE CONTINENT."
* * * * *
Heavy Work at the Front.
"I had been snatching an hour's rest _after a tiring day in the shade of
a great pear tree_".--_"Evening News" War Correspondent. (Italics by Mr.
Punch.)_
* * * * *
"How much the bravery of the Belgians is appreciated has found
practical expression in ---- [London]. A Belgian hairdresser, who has
been many years in business here, has found a very considerable
increase in his turnover during the past week or two."
_West London Gazette._
One customer showed his appreciation by having his hair cut three times
last week. But a subscription to the Belgian Relief Fund is perhaps the
better way of doing it.
* * * * *
"Lord Hatherton has placed Teddesley Park at the disposal of the
Penkridge Rifle Club, and offered himself as instructor in the use
of the rifle."--_Standard._
The heading "Peer's House as Hospital" is perhaps a trifle offensive.
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