(EXTRACTED FROM THE DIARY OF TOBY, M.P.)
_House of Commons, Monday, Aug. 3._
--When EDWARD GREY stood at Table to make momentous statement on
position of Great Britain confronted by spectacle of Europe in arms, he
faced a memorable scene. House crowded from floor to topmost range of
Strangers' Gallery. LANSDOWNE, "BOBS," GEORGE CURZON and other Peers
looked on and listened. Amongst them LORD CHIEF JUSTICE for first time
obtained view of House from novel point of vantage.
Owing to spread of complications, supply of Ambassadors accustomed to
repair to Diplomatic Gallery restricted. No room for Germany to-day.
Absent, too, the popular figure of Austro-Hungarian Ambassador, familiar
these many years in London Society. Russia, Spain, Sweden and Greece
were there in the persons of their representatives; and Belgium,
conscious that words about to be uttered were big with her fate.
The sight they looked down upon was strange and moving. Setting of scene
worthy of drama which finds no full parallel in world's history. Keen
eyes accustomed to study potentialities of nations discerned in the
gathering a new portentous fact. A week ago to-day political parties in
House of Commons preserved customary attitude of hostility. Across the
floor they snapped at each other distrust and dislike. Long-brooding
revolt of armed forces in Ireland had leaped into flame. Mob and
military had come to blows. Victims of the affray lay dead in the
streets of Dublin. In the House rancour between Unionists and Home
Rulers increasingly bitter.
Here was opportunity for loyal and trusted friend on the Continent to
play long-planned game. England's difficulty was Germany's opportunity.
Swiftly, unscrupulously, taken advantage of.
Foreign Representatives to-day beheld a startling transformation. Party
lines obliterated. LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION, whose conduct throughout
crisis has been splendidly patriotic, rallied his forces to the side of
Ministers.
"Whatever steps they think it necessary to take for the honour and
security of this country," he said amid burst of general cheering, "they
can rely upon the unhesitating support of the Opposition."
This attitude, in full accordance with highest tradition of British
Party politics, not unexpected. Glad surprise followed when JOHN REDMOND
assured the Government they might forthwith withdraw from Ireland every
man of their troops.
"The coasts of Ireland," he added, "will be defended from foreign
invasion by our armed sons. For this purpose Nationalist Catholics in
the South will be only too glad to join hands with armed Protestant
Ulstermen in the North."