THE RULING PASSION.
"'Ten-shun! Form Fours!"
(Extracted from the Diary of Toby, M.P.)
House of Commons, Wednesday, 11th November.—Both Houses met for what will be last Session of ever-memorable Parliament. Usual ceremony at State Opening by King, but atmosphere distinctly different from that familiar on such occasions. No crowd talking and gesticulating in Lobby before Speaker takes the Chair. That done, Benches seemed strangely empty. In Commons, as in Lords, most men were mourning, the gloom a little lightened here and there by khaki uniform. Whilst Leader of Opposition and Prime Minister spoke Members sat silently attentive. Only now and then subdued cheer indicated approval of a statement or a sentiment. There was sign neither of depression nor elation. The country, fitly represented within these four walls, has undertaken a great task, its performance making heavy demand of blood and money. At whatever cost mean to see it through. Meanwhile are grimly silent.
In course of brief proceedings curious instance forthcoming of prevalence of martial spirit even in unexpected quarters. Did not witness it myself, being at the moment engaged in showing a constituent the House of Lords at historic moment when, in absence of Leader of Conservative Party, George Curzon rose temporarily to assume functions he will surely inherit. Story told me by the Member for Sark, whom I find a (more or less) trustworthy recorder.
Seems that two new Members were in attendance prepared to take oath and their seat. In accordance with custom they were ranged at the Bar awaiting Speaker's summons. Observing one of them between his introducers, Speaker stiffly drew himself up to full height, and called out in ringing tones—
"'Ten-shun! Form Fours!"
House stared in amazement. Nothing disconcerts Mr. Lowther. Recognizing slip, he quietly ignored it; made fresh start.
"Order! Order! Members desiring to take their seats will please come to the Table."
Thereupon President of Board of Agriculture, assisted by Mr. Burt, the revered Father of the House, affably conducted towards the Table his parent, Sir Walter Runciman, newly elected Member for Hartlepool. Having seen him duly sign roll of Parliament he stood him tea on the Terrace, made him free of the smoking-room, and invited him to partake to-morrow night of famous House shilling dinner.
These filial amenities pleasantly vary the austerity of Parliamentary life.
Business done.—Parliament reassembled. Address in reply to Speech from the Throne moved in both Houses.
"THE PILOT IS PICKED UP AGAIN."
[Lord Fisher comes aboard.]
House of Lords, Thursday.—A new-comer to Ministerial Bench. It is Lord Fisher of Kilverstone, commonly and affectionately known as "Jack." Three years ago, fatal age limit being reached, Admiralty regretfully but compulsorily Dropped the Pilot. Now, three years older as the almanack counts, actually as young as ever, the Pilot is picked up again. His appearance at the helm greeted with hearty cheer resounding from shore to shore.
