going on, and I shall never forget the vehemence with which the different speakers and the different parties spoke for or against the scheme. The Irish speakers were furious against the opponents of the Bill, and language was used in the House which would have brought discredit on a third-rate municipal meeting in Bengal! I watched with special interest the great leaders of the House. What a change in Mr. Gladstone since I had seen him in the House in 1869. He looked very old now and feeble. He stooped a little when he stood and when he spoke in reply to a certain question, his voice was so hoarse that I could hardly follow what he said. And yet even now, his voice regains its power and its ring on great occasions.
Opposite him,—conspicuous among the conservative ranks sate little Churchill, twirling his moustache as he eyed his opponents as if in disdain! I have never heard Churchill speak. I should like to hear him.
Joseph Chamberlain sat behind Gladstone, and not far from him,—looking wonderfully young and wonderfully cool and self-possessed! The Irish speakers were furious in their attacks on him, imputing his secession to personal pique and ambition, while they respected Hartington's conduct as due to honest difference in opinion. But Chamberlain was a match for them all,—he looked at them through his eye-glass,—smiling contemptuously at their violent attacks.
I had seen well known members of the House eighteen years ago, who are there no more. Benjamin D'Israeli with his almost comical face used to sit opposite to his
