Punch/Volume 147/Issue 3818/Essence of Parliament
(Extracted from the Diary of Toby, M.P.)
House of Commons, Monday, August 31.—The peace in the Parliamentary arena which passed the understanding of the Kaiser and went far to foil his plans, is temporarily broken.
Moving adjournment Premier reminded House of actual situation concerning Home Rule Bill and Welsh Disestablishment Bill. But for the outbreak of war Parliament would have been prorogued at least a fortnight ago and, by automatic procedure under Parliament Act, these measures would have been added to to Statute Book. On outbreak of war parties, amid plaudits of the Country, patriotically put aside partisan tactics and presented a united front to the common foe.
As Premier reminded House this afternoon, three weeks ago he declared desire that no party in any quarter of the House should gain advantage or should suffer prejudice from the temporary suspension of domestic controversy. When this was resumed, matters should be taken up and proceeded with exactly at the point and under the conditions at which they were left. The main feature of such conditions was the avowed intention of the Government to place the two Bills on Statute Book, hope being cherished of arrival at friendly settlement by means of Amending Bill.
This simple uncontrovertible statement of familiar facts quietly listened to. No note of contradiction broke the silence. Bonar Law frankly accepted the situation as set forth by the Premier. Expressed hope that in the interval between adjournment and resumption of sittings some means would be found of avoiding renewal of controversy which he described as "a disgrace to the House," adding, amid general cheers, "The country will not readily forgive those who are responsible."
John Redmond assumed that if the proposal to reach a friendly settlement failed the intention of the Government to place the two Bills upon the Statute Book remained in force. This obvious assumption, based upon reiterated dress reiterated state from the Treasury Bench, drew assenting cheer from Ministerialists.
It was here Prince Arthur interfered. Amid angry interruption he asked Members opposite to "consider whether it is possible decently to introduce subjects of acute political discussion in the present circumstances." Lively talk followed, showing that the bitterness of Home Rule controversy is not dead or even sleeping.
What might have developed into discreditable scene of the kind deprecated by Prince Arthur was averted by interposition of the Premier. In gravest tone, "with all the solemnity I can command," he besought the House to bring the discussion to a close.
Appeal irresistible. House turned to disposal of remaining business, remaining at work till half-an-hour after midnight.
Business done.—Adjourned till Wednesday in next week.