are gathered in House for Wednesday's sitting we learn that
all is right indeed, and that poor old JOEY B. lies quiet, with face
upturned, in his alien lodgings off Clapham Common.

He would be surprised if he knew with what warm and sincere feeling his
sudden taking-off is mourned. At the time he spoke of, thirteen years
back, he was certainly the most abhorred person on the premises, and
gleefully chuckled over consciousness of the fact. But the House, with
nearer knowledge, learned to recognise his sterling qualities, and now,
when Death rounds off with tragic touch the comicalities of his public
life, everyone has a kindly word to say for JOSEPH GILLIS.

_Business done._--Debate on Address.

_Thursday._--"Curious," said CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN, "how habits ingrained
in early life, born in the blood as it were, come out at chance times.
Here's OLD MORALITY been for a generation practically divorced from
business affairs in the Strand, and yet look at him now, and listen to
him!"

Strange transmogrification truly. Arose on question put by HUNTER as to
when the ten volumes of evidence, upon which Report of Special Committee
founded, would be on the bookstalls. OLD MORALITY at the table in a
moment, his manner brisk yet deferential, his hands involuntarily
wandering over the books and papers scattered about, as if he were
looking for special edition someone on other side of counter had asked
for.

"The Evidence," he said, "given before the Special Commission occupies
eleven volumes, consisting of the Evidence and Appendix, and they will
probably be followed by a twelfth volume containing Index matter. We
trust that the first eleven volumes will be ready for delivery to
customers before the 1st of March."

[Illustration: District Councils.]

PETER O'BRIEN, not yet expanded since compressed by contiguity of THOMAS
BAYLEY POTTER, asked whether complete copies of the evidence would be
supplied to other persons incriminated, but not being Members of the
House? OLD MORALITY at the counter again; the old Adam in him stronger
than ever. Here was a pretty proposal! Bound to supply this interesting
work gratuitously to Members of Parliament; to go beyond that most
unbusinesslike.

"No, Sir," he said, firmly; "it is open to other persons to obtain the
volumes by purchase."

House roared with laughter, turned delighted from this little comedy to
face the gloomy prospect of STANSFELD on District Councils.

_Business done._--