_Monday Night, August 1._--Prince Louis of BATTENBERG had better be making
inquiries as to return trains for Germany. W. REDMOND "has had his
attention called to him," and PICKERSGILL has his eye upon him. German
Prince been appointed to command of _Dreadnought_ over thirty British
Officers who had precedence for promotion. W. REDMOND elicited more general
cheering than usually falls to his lot when he wanted to know what reason
could be given for so extraordinary a mark of confidence? GEORGY HAMILTON
explained that there was best possible reason. Prince LOUIS a heaven-born
sea-Captain. No one like him among ordinary Britishers. Appointed to
_Dreadnought_ simply because he was best possible man. Then PICKERSGILL
came to front. Couldn't object to First Lord's personal preference, but
gave notice that if Prince LOUIS were confirmed in command of _Dreadnought_
he would move that his salary be disallowed. More cheers. Idea of German
Princeling holding office, however honourable, without drawing a salary
struck Commons as comical. Subject seemed to drop here. But COMMERELL,
having by this time had another question on other subject put and answered,
collected his thoughts, rose and begged to say that "Prince Louis of
BATTENBERG served under me, and a more efficient officer----" Here sentence
came to abrupt conclusion. Angry cries of "Order!" stormed round gallant
Admiral. COMMERELL a man of proved valour, as the Victoria Cross worn on
his breast on Jubilee Day and other high festivities testifies. But his
bronzed cheek blanched under this assault. He stared round a moment
speechless, and resumed his seat.
House in Committee through long hours on Irish Land Bill. Dulness enlivened
towards midnight by encounter between CHAMBERLAIN and GRANDOLPH.
CHAMBERLAIN began it; GRANDOLPH by no means backward. Rebuked CHAMBERLAIN
for "characteristic sneer," upon which CHAMBERLAIN smartly retorted. The
interesting episode concluded by HARTINGTON announcing his intention to
vote against CHAMBERLAIN and with the Government. HARCOURT much pleased.
[Illustration: E. H. P-ck-rsg-ll.]
[Illustration: M-cl-n interposes.]
"This is only the beginning," he said. "GRANDOLPH and CHAMBERLAIN have
evidently quarrelled. HARTINGTON doesn't bind himself to go with
CHAMBERLAIN; and altogether the Unionist Party seems a little disunited."
_Business done._--Irish Land Bill in Committee.
_Tuesday._--Questions over there was a pretty scene. JOHN DILLON complained
of allegation in provincial newspaper that he had applauded a statement
that in a riot at Belfast several children and a young lady school-teacher,
the daughter of Lord SLIGO'S Agent, were seriously hurt. Hadn't proceeded
far with explanation when voice from neighbourhood of Treasury Bench called
out, "It is true!"
"Who says it's true?" shouted JOHN, flashing a baleful glance on Treasury
Bench.
At first he thought the interrupter was Old Morality, but his air of
perfect innocence repulsed suspicion. Was it DE WORMS, turning as, it is
written, his family sometimes do? EDWARD CLARKE looked more guilty, so JOHN
"named" him; denied the soft impeachment. HALSEY admitted it, and was
backed up by half-a-dozen Members, including MACLEAN. Bore personal
testimony to having heard the applause when incident was mentioned.
"I say it is true!" they repeated one after the other.
"And I say it is false!" JOHN DILLON roared, and proceeded to denounce
Members opposite in language which speedily brought up the SPEAKER.
After a while MACLEAN again interposed. Demanded to be heard whilst he
asserted in detail the general accuracy of the newspaper paragraph, whilst
of course acquitting DILLON "if he said he did not join in applause."
Parnellites, oddly enough, left all the fighting to JOHN, who was finally
put down by SPEAKER. After this pleasant interlude, House resumed Committee
on Land Bill. Proceedings dolorous, and House empty. At one time sitting
nearly brought to end by a Count.
_Business done._--Irish Land Bill.
_Thursday._--Enter TREVELYAN; exit EDWARD RUSSELL, the latter carrying with
him the consciousness of that rare possession--popularity with both sides
of the House. Everybody sorry he has gone, especially "the Dissentient
Liberals." As PLUNKET says, "He was the gentlest-mannered Radical in the
House." Crowded House. TREVELYAN brings his sheaves (1401) with him, in
shape of rattling majority won at Glasgow. Everybody there but HARTINGTON
and CHAMBERLAIN. Meeting in such circumstances with old colleague would
have been too touching. But older colleagues, under wing of GLADSTONE, in
full force. Determined to kill the fatted calf for the returning prodigal.
GLADSTONE would, of course, play the part of Aged Parent; TREVELYAN the
repentant son. But who was to stand for the fatted calf? General impression
that HARCOURT best suited by natural gifts for the character. HARCOURT'S
habitual modesty not to be overcome. "Wouldn't," he said, "like to play
such a prominent part." Finally agreed that they should "imagine the calf."
All went admirably well. Might have been managed by that veteran strategist
the Sage of Queen Anne's Gate.
[Illustration: Enter Tr-v-ly-n.]
[Illustration: Exit R-ss-ll.]
CHILDERS and CAMERON (both out of step with new Member) personally
conducted him to Table. Enormous cheering, which CHILDERS gently
deprecated. "No, my good friends," he said. "This is very kind of you. But
there's really no credit due to me. I bring our young friend up because I,
too, am a Scotch Member. Perhaps my success at Edinburgh may have given
fillip to Liberalism in the Lowlands. But pray don't mention it. Any little
services I may have rendered are overpaid by this magnificent ovation."
More cheers when new Member was introduced to SPEAKER. Delighted to see
him. Had often heard his name. Pleased with this opportunity of making his
personal acquaintance. Should be sure to know him again if he met him. All
this lively and entertaining. But great scene artistically conceived for
end of play. TREVELYAN, passing round back of SPEAKER'S chair, proceeding
in search of quiet seat, beheld strange spectacle on Front Opposition
Bench. There was the Aged P. signalling from his tent. Signal taken up by
retainers and carried down crowded bench. Only in the place of honour must
the new Member sit. Never made so much fuss of before. Last time took oath
and seat, no particular notice taken of double event. What had happened in
meantime? Had he grown more eloquent; had he performed some conspicuous
service; or had he increased in personal esteem of those who know him? The
latter impossible. In the former no change. He had merely kicked over
traces and was now come back to run in them. Thought of this with some
bitterness. But reception well meant. There was the Aged P. violently
beckoning with venerable forefinger, and the errant son made his way up to
him, fell on his neck and kissed him----this of course in a Parliamentary
sense.
_Business done._--Army Estimates.
_Friday._--House of Lords rent to its centre by deadly, blood-curdling,
butter-melting controversy. Question is, shall it be Butterine or
Margarine? The usually hostile camps streaked with enemies. A Noble Lord,
who stands stoutly for Butterine, finds himself seated with another Peer,
who swears by Margarine, and _vice versâ_. When division comes there is
woful cross-voting. It is BASING who appropriately brings on subject, and
WEMYSS who moves that the compound be called Butterine, instead of
Margarine. Everyone in high spirits, sustained by a free collation, served
out at the door. This attraction rather militated against full success of
debate. Noble Lords "asking for more," of course having to linger outside
till they'd eaten it. BASING (long known to us as SCLATER-BOOTH) revelled
in his subject, and thanked the Markiss he was made a Peer in time to take
part in discussion. ARGYLL brought his massive mind to bear on Butterine;
GRANVILLE toyed with the subject; and WEMYSS was more than usually
emphatic. BRAMWELL had promised to speak for Butterine. Place empty when
turn came.
"Where's BRAMWELL? He should be up next," said WEMYSS.
"Ah," said ROSEBERY,
"Would you know where last I saw him,
He was eating bread and butterine."
Messengers despatched to corridor and BRAMWELL brought in with his mouth
full. A stirring debate, but Butterine was nowhere. BRAMWELL having
demonstrated Margarine was "not the correct name for the substitute known
as Butterine," their Lordships by large majority voted for Margarine.
_Business done._--In Commons Land Bill again.
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