Part 3

In Commons GRANDOLPH turned up in his favourite character as Economist. Crammed to the moustache. Figures which he rattled out show that First Lord and Board of Admiralty are spendthrifts. Quite a marvellous store of learning, which hampered HAMILTON, baffled BERESFORD, riled REED and flurried FORWOOD.

This, the serious business of the sitting, prefaced by a privilege case which of course attracted much more attention. LONG complained that on addressing TANNER in Lobby after debate of Friday, Member for Mid-Cork had turned upon him and abused him in coarsest language. Old Morality moved that TANNER be suspended for a month. Many Members of opinion that O. M. need not have been so precise. As they _were_ hanging him up, a month or two more or less would make no difference. Others laid the blame on LONG, who opened the conversation.

"If a man touches pitch he must expect to be defiled," said Lady PARKER, gyrating coquettishly in the Lobby. SEXTON moved adjournment of debate till Thursday. In course of speech fell upon GENT-DAVIS standing at Bar, "smiling," as SEXTON bitterly said, "in such a superior manner." Finding a head there, SEXTON brought down shillelagh on it. Suddenness of assault took away G.-D.'s breath. Very indignant when he recovered.

"What business had he to attack me?" he asked. "I'll interpolate the SPEAKER, and see if this, too, isn't a Breach of Privilege."

_Business done._--Supply.

_Tuesday._--Seems TANNER not the only Member who has been "saying things" in the Lobby. Alderman FOWLER accused of having sinned in a similar way against HOWELL. Irish Members gleefully taken up case. SEXTON gave notice that on Thursday, when Motion for suspension of TANNER comes on, he will move that FOWLER be also suspended for a month. "They can go away together for a month in the country," TIM HEALY says; "or might take a trip to Norway. Anyhow, they'll be able to pair for the remainder of the Session."

FOWLER makes light of the threat, but not at all a pleasant thing. Parliamentary life, as a whole, getting rather a weariness to the flesh. Only the other day he was sat upon in connection with the manufacture of bogus petitions, now is to be brought up for using bad language in the Lobby. Wishes he'd been made a Jubilee Peer.

After questions, gallant little Wales came up, piping its eye. Thirty-one men been arrested in connection with Tithe Riots near Ruthin. Government, having got into swing in Ireland, proposed to change the _venue_, and try prisoners by Special Jury. ELLIS moved Adjournment in order to protest. Backed up by OSBORNE MORGAN, HARCOURT, DILLWYN, and others. On other side, ATTORNEY-GENERAL justified course taken, and SOLICITOR-GENERAL declared OSBORNE MORGAN'S speech "a scandal to the House of Commons." Idea of OSBORNE MORGAN creating a scandal shocked the House; CLARKE obliged to withdraw remark, and apologise.

Gem of the evening was SWETENHAM'S speech. Delightful the ease and fluency with which he pronounced such words as Llanymrech and Llansaintfraid, and others guiltless of a vowel. Delicious the way in which he ogled OSBORNE MORGAN, slily insinuating his intimate knowledge of the criminal classes. What with his remarks, and the accusation of the SOLICITOR-GENERAL, House began to think there was more in OSBORNE MORGAN than met the eye, and that it had, unawares, been nursing a viper in its bosom.

_Business done._--Supply.

_Thursday._--Dr. TANNER and Alderman FOWLER both in their places at Question Time. First business on paper was Adjourned Debate on Old Morality's Motion to suspend TANNER for a month. SEXTON gave notice to haul up the Alderman on charge similar to that which hung over meek head of TANNER. TANNER in apologetic mood, but the Alderman defiant. In course of debate HOWELL, alleged victim of Alderman's minatory observations, attempted to introduce the subject. TANNER debate been on for hour and half; began to flag a little. Time seemed opportune for serving up the Alderman. But SPEAKER peremptorily interposed, and would have none of it. Sufficient for the day was the TANNER thereof, and so the Alderman, a pillar of the Church, a mainstay of the State, must go down to posterity under charge of having used naughty words in the Lobby.

TANNER episode proved lively enough. TANNER apologised for language used to WALTER LONG, and duly expressed his regret. All eyes turned upon Old Morality. Expected, as Leader of House, to interpose, and bring unsavoury proceedings to swift close--and so, let us go to business. But O. M. let LONG slip in with correction of TANNER'S version of what had passed. Squabbled for half-an-hour as to what had really been said. House got its back up. Opportunity for controlling it passed. Storm grew higher as moments slipped by. HARCOURT in his element, thumping the table and shouting at top of his voice in effort, sometimes vain, to make himself heard amid clamour on opposite benches. Finally, WHITBREAD appealed to SPEAKER to give his opinion. This awkward for SPEAKER, who must needs offend one or other of angry parties. Acquitted himself admirably. With infinite tact expressed his opinion that, as contended from Opposition Benches, TANNER'S apology "formal, distinct, and unreserved." Rather a snub this for Old Morality and HARTINGTON, who had backed him up. But decision unanimously accepted, and the smile which BIGWOOD reported he had "seen on the countenance of Dr. TANNER" when first addressed in Lobby by LONG, returned.

"We've lost two hours' precious time," said KENNAWAY, walking out, "and the only person that's made anything out of it is TANNER. A week ago was in low water, snubbed by his own friends, for whom his conduct was too bad. Now elevated to position of persecuted hero, made the subject of elaborate debate, dragged Government into fresh muddle, and brought upon them rebuke from highest authority in the House."

_Business done._--Got into Committee on Land Bill.

_Friday._--House assembled this afternoon at Waterloo Station, bound for Portsmouth and Southampton, to see the Review.

_Business done._--Took return-tickets.

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"DEAR me!" said Mrs. RAM, "I always thought that Margarine was a foreign title. Wasn't there a Margarine of Hesse?"

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GOOD-WOODCUTS.

_By D. Crambo, Junior._