ESSENCE OF PARLIAMENT.
(Extracted from the Diary of Toby, M.P.)
House of Commons, Monday, 15th February.—Since Commons reassembled a fortnight ago attendance has been dismally slack, proceedings dolefully dull. Seemed as if House were on verge of dissolution by process of inanition. This afternoon startling change suddenly wrought. Every seat on floor occupied. Strangers' Gallery, including that reserved for the Diplomatic body, Westminster schoolboys and other eminent personages, crowded. A number of Peers awaiting opening of business in their own house flocked to their Gallery over the clock.
Explanation found in order of proceedings. Two stars billed to appear—Chancellor of Exchequer and First Lord of Admiraldy. Lloyd George scintillated first. Explained object of financial conference in Paris, where he met Finance Ministers of France and Russia. At present moment, as he pointed out, the Allies are fighting the full mobilised strength of Germany with one-third of their own. The problem faced by them is to bring at earliest possible moment remaining two-thirds of their resources into fighting line.
"That," added the Chancellor emphatically, "is largely a question of finance."
Object of Conference was to arrive at basis of common action for raising and distributing necessary funds.
Pope once confessed
The three Ministers colloguing at Paris babbled in billions with serene confidence that, when called for, the billions would come. A couple must needs be spent on the aggregate War outlay of the Allies up to the 31st of December next. With pardonable pride the Chancellor mentioned that Great Britain is spending from 100 to 150 millions more than the highest figure touched by either of its Allies. What matter? If necessary, we will spend the last sovereign in Britannia's stocking in finding the necessary means.
The note of quiet assurance, free from boast or blatancy, that marked this memorable statement was echoed in the Winsome Winston's more lengthy explanation of the condition, achievements and prospects of Navy. At outset won goodwill of House—easy victory —by adroitly placing to its credit the remarkable, unprecedented state of efficiency and readiness in which outbreak of War found the Fleet. Forgetful, or strategically unmindful, of pitiless criticism levelled Session after Session at the Admiralty, lamenting its blind inertia, denouncing its unpatriotic disregard of efforts made by Germany to wrest from feeble hands supremacy of the sea, he insisted that credit was exclusively due to hon. gentlemen who hung attentive on his words.
"The House of Commons," he said with increasing winsomeness, "has a right to claim the Navy as its child, the unchanging object of its care and solicitude."
House thus put in good humour with itself punctuated glowing speech with frequent bursts of cheering, loudest volley rattling forth when, describing Germany as a State which, as a matter of deliberate policy, had placed herself outside all international obligations, he presaged a declaration on part of Allied Governments, promptly to be made, which will have effect of applying for the first time the full force of Naval pressure to the enemy.
"A PROVIDENCE SITTING UP ALOFT."
(Lord Fisher.)
Amongst most interested listeners to lucid address, occasionally lapsing into eloquence, was the First Sea Lord, a Providence sitting up aloft, watching over interests of the Navy which in large measure owes its supremacy to him.
Business done,—Navy Estimates in Committee.
House of Lords, Tuesday.—Diverting conversation on the distribution of administrative posts between Lords and Commons. Initiated by Curzon, jealous of full privileges of the Chamber he adorns and enlightens. Seems that out of Cabinet of twenty Members only six are seated in the Lords, whilst greedy House of Commons claims and enjoys attendance of thirty effective Ministers. Of principal departments of State ten have no direct representation in Lords. This state of things Curzon, amid murmur of assent, described as "not merely invidious but almost disrespectful to your Lordships' House."
True that at present crisis War Office and Admiralty are represented by two Peers of highest standing. No one knows more about War Office than Kitchener, nor is any one more intimately acquainted with matters relating to the Navy than Lord Fisher of Kilverstone, affectionately known on quarter-deck and lower decks as "Jacky."
That all very well on face of it. Unfortunately these high authorities take common view of their duty. Each believes that his business is not to talk but to work. Theirs not to reason why, whether in affirmative, negative or judicious non-committal style. What between them they have to do is to keep Army and Navy in highest state of efficiency.
A big job. Does not leave them much time to spend in what one irreverently describes as the "talking-shop." Are seldom seen within its precincts. When on rare occasions attendance appears compulsory their conduct not entirely satisfactory. Since he was made a Peer, First Sea Lord has never opened his mouth in senatorial chamber except to yawn. When, in bleak December, House was summoned to special session, ostensibly in order to provide opportunity for important statement from our War Lord, Kitchener read a paper conveying not a single item of information beyond what had been made familiar by the newspapers during preceding fortnight. Having made an end of reading he bolted back to War Office and diligently endeavoured to make up for what he regarded as sad waste of half an hour's time.
Selborne gave notice to raise on following day important debate on Army matters. In course of evening received short but polite note from K. or K. expressing regret that owing to pressure of business he would not be able to be present.
This is magnificent; but it is not in accordance with custom observed by Peers
