ommoners in their pen above
Bar seemed to indicate important debate. Turned out to be only less dull
than that which slumbered round closing stage in the Commons. LANSDOWNE
pluckily endeavoured to give note of novelty to topic by saying "not
what the Bill was but what it was not." Even this ingenious device did
not succeed in investing proceedings with anything approaching
animation.

The WEARY WEARDALE, who through long public life has tried in succession
both branches of the Legislature and found them equally withered, was
doubtful whether the measure would appreciably affect its avowed purpose
of increasing number of men with the Colours. With instinct of good
Liberal--in his time PHILIP STANHOPE was known in the Commons as an
almost dangerous Radical--he turned and rent "certain leaders who have
surrendered a precious principle and in so doing are undermining the
authority and existence of the whole Liberal Party." Still, though
prospect was gloomy, he would not despair.

"The Liberal Party," he said, "will rise again" (HALSBURY shook his head
doubtfully) "and will shed the leaders who have deserted it."

Having thus delivered his soul WEARY ONE did not challenge a division.

_Business done._--Military Service Bill read second time without
division.

_House of Commons, Wednesday._--Once more, the last time in history of
session of unparalleled length and importance, House crowded. Peers'
Gallery full. From Diplomatic Gallery the United States, Norway, Sweden,
Denmark and Holland, represented by their Ministers, looked on, eagerly
listening.

Resolution, moved by SHIRLEY BENN, urged Government to enforce against
enemy a blockade as effective as possible. In one of his comprehensive,
quietly delivered and powerful speeches EDWARD GREY showed that
situation is not so easily managed as amateur diplomatists below the
Gangway believe, or as fractious newspapers, bent on damaging the
Government even if the Empire falls, assert. Explained in detail steps
taken by Foreign Office to deal with it. House listened critically but
approvingly. Took note of fact that FIRST LORD OF ADMIRALTY emphatically
cheered denial of one of the malicious rumours current--that in the task
of preventing supplies reaching the enemy the Foreign Office spoils the
work of the Navy.

Sharp, almost angry burst of cheering greeted passage towards close of
speech in which FOREIGN SECRETARY declared that maximum effort in this
country, whether mi