feature in case is that it was BROTHER BOB who
brought matters to a head by tabling a Resolution making impossible in
future the vagaries of COUSIN HUGH.

Which shows afresh how remarkable are the resources of a family rooted in
the spacious times of QUEEN ELIZABETH.

_Business done._--Criminal Justice Administration Bill read a second time.

_Thursday._--As at approach of Spring the time of the singing of birds
comes, and the voice of the turtle is heard in the land, so thus early in
the session the voice of the objector is heard in the House of Commons. On
days when Private Bills come up for consideration, there is a scene which
interests while it perplexes occupants of Ladies' Gallery, in whose full
view it is set. As soon as SPEAKER takes the Chair, before galleries are
open to male strangers, there enters from hidden staircase leading to
gallery over clock a procession of businesslike gentlemen. Silently,
swiftly, they flood what is known as Distinguished Strangers' Gallery.

Clerk at Table reads list of Private Bills awaiting second reading: (1)
Middlesbrough Corporation Bill, (2) Lurgan Gas and Electricity Bill, (3)
Northwich Urban District Council Bill. From one side or other of benches
below Gangway sounds a single word: "Object!" Title of next Bill on list
recited. Again the cabalistic word, and so on to end of catalogue. This
reached, anonymous Strangers in gallery rise and depart as swiftly, as
silently, as they came, and what is still known as Question-hour (though it
is limited to forty-five minutes) opens.

Whisper runs round Ladies' Gallery that mysterious Strangers are detachment
of Ulster volunteers out on drill. As a matter of fact they are solicitors
concerned for fate of private measures. With extreme rarity is a Private
Bill debated on second reading. As a rule that stage is formally conceded,
real work being done in select committees upstairs. One of the archaic
absurdities of legislative practice remaining in Commons is that a single
Member has autocratic power to delay progress of particular Bills
approaching Committee stage by murmuring or shouting a magic dissyllable.

Last Session TIM HEALY, offended at certain course taken by Board of Trade
in respect of Private Bill for which he was concerned, held up for a
fortnight the whole course of private legislation. At the end of that time
Government with a majority still a hundred strong capitulated. It was an
exceptionally weary time for soli