House in desolate state throughout spirit-sapping performance. TIM HEALY sat it all out. Contributed almost only token of life to the dull monotony. In dangerously explosive state. If anybody had sat on safety-valve would have burst to dead certainty. Happily got off a few life-saving grunts and groans. Played sort of chorus to CARSON'S speech and BRODRICK'S monologue. They severely ignored him--treatment which had no effect on his exuberance of spirits.
"Who are these Irish owners," BRODRICK asked, looking severely across table at JOHN MORLEY, "who want to buy their tenants' interest in order to sell it at a higher price?"
"I'll give you their names," cried TIM, after the fashion of the naughty boy safe at the outer edge of a crowd.
"I defy the right hon. gentleman to produce a single instance," BRODRICK continued, taking no notice of TIM.
"I'll give you half a dozen," shouted TIM, ever ready to oblige, though leaving it in doubt whether the half dozen he offered were lashes or other instances. Then the policeman, in shape of SPEAKER, appeared on scene, and for awhile there was silence on the back benches, and dullness regained its sway.
_Business done._--Second Reading Irish Land Bill moved.
THURSDAY.--For illustration of soft answer that turneth away wrath, CAWMEL-BANNERMAN'S reply just now on the shamrock incident perfect in its way. The heart of Ireland stirred by fresh stories of how her sons, turning up on parade on St. Patrick's Day proudly wearing shamrock, were ordered by brutal Saxon officers to "fling it on the ground." TIM HEALY had cases brought under his notice. Never do for this branch of United Ireland to appear as sole champion of national rights in this matter. So wearisome WILLIE REDMOND swaggers on scene with another case.
A delicate subject for SECRETARY OF STATE FOR WAR to handle. On one hand, discipline must be maintained. On the other, national sentiment must not be affronted, especially when represented in House by sufficient votes to turn the scale in any division. CAWMEL-BANNERMAN not only said right thing, but said it in right way. "I myself," he murmured with prettily apologetic air, "stand in a somewhat neutral position, because I belong to a country whose national emblem does not lend itself to the convenience of the button-hole."