(Being a Parisian Parliamentary Procedure as "She Might be
Spoke in England.")
SCENE--The House of Commons at question-time. Ministers in attendance,
excited Members regarding them with derision.
_First Member._ I claim the word, Mr. Speaker. I would ask Esquire
Harcourt, does he propose to make his Budget popular?
[_"Very well! very well!" from the Conservatives._
_Esquire Harcourt._ I tell the Hon. Gentleman that by such a question he
insults the world! (_Cheers._) Nay, he insults England!
[_Loud applause, in which all join._
_First Mem._ (_after a pause_). Still, you have not answered my
question. Is your Budget to be popular?
[_Murmurs._
_Esquire Har._ (_with spirit_). I consider such a question twice
repeated an infamy!
[_Enthusiastic cheering._
_Second Mem._ Then it is you who are infamous!
[_Uproar._
_The Speaker._ Gentlemen, Ministers, do not force me to put on my
hat--do not cause me to suspend the sitting.
_First Mem._ Surely a civil question deserves a civil answer?
_Esquire Harcourt._ Not in a nation that has bled on the field of
battle. [_Roars of applause._
_First Mem._ (_after a pause_). And yet what I required to know was
reasonable. I wished to know whether Esquire Harcourt proposed to name a
popular Budget?
_Esquire Harcourt._ He repeats the calumny! [_Uproar._
_First Mem._ (_after a pause_). But is there no reply? I would ask Sir
Gladstone--is there no reply?
_Sir Gladstone_ (_springing to his feet_). It is for the honour of
England! (_Immense enthusiasm._) And now, Sir, you are answered!
[Roars of applause. Scene closes in upon Ministers receiving
the hand-shakes of supporters and opponents.
* * * * *
[Illustration:
SPORT AS A MATTER OF COURSE-ING.]
* * * * *
[Illustration:
LADIES IN THE HUNTING FIELD.
It is The Opinion of Mr. Phunkie "that the Fair Sex is all
very well at the Covert Side, and he has no objection to a
little quiet Flirtation there; but if a Man is expected to
go hanging round a Girl when Hounds are running, the thing
is apt to become a dooce of a Nuisance!"]
* * * * *