_House of Commons, Thursday, April 6._--Met again after so-called
Easter Holidays. Mr. G. early in his place, looking as blooming as the
Spring flower in his buttonhole. "The BRIGHT 'UN from Brighton," was
MARJORIBANKS'S way of announcing the Chief, as he entered from behind
SPEAKER'S Chair. Spoke for hour-and-half on moving Second Reading of
Home-Rule Bill. General impression is everything possible been already
said on subject. This conviction so deeply impressed that Members will
not come back to resume Debate. Benches only half full whilst Mr. G.
delivering what will rank as historic speech. Situation accepted to
extent that ten days or fortnight must be given up to Second-Reading
Debate. Wouldn't be respectful, or even decent, to dispose of stage
of such a measure in less time. Well known that this Sahara of
observation will not influence single vote. If arrangements had been
made with due notice to take division to-night, after Mr. G. had
urged Second Reading of Bill, and HICKS-BEACH had moved rejection, the
majority would have been exactly the same as it will be a fortnight
hence, when end is reached after multitudinous talk. Not by a vote
more, nor a vote less, will Government majority be varied. Still,
usual thing to talk for week or fortnight upon Bill of this kind.
House will not fail in its duty to QUEEN and Country. A dolorous
prospect, judging from to-night's experience. Mr. G. kept audience
well together. Members increased as he spoke; but when ST. MICHAEL
rose, audience dispersed like leaves in wintry weather.
"An excellent fellow BEACH," said CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN, "But in his House
of Commons speech always gives one the idea that, through a blameless
existence, he has been rolled upon by the melancholy ocean."
[Illustration: "THE POLITICAL SANDOW."