occasions one of the forms of the House
pertinaciously adhered to is often productive of good results. According
to parliamentary rules, when the Speaker puts the motion that "I do now
leave the chair," previously to going into committee, it is at the option
of any member who has a question to ask, or a statement to make, or a
grievance to proclaim, to move that the House do now adjourn, and then
deliver himself of whatever he may wish to say; or he can make his
statement as an amendment. Such forms are very valuable, though often
very inconvenient to ministers who are anxious to get over the business
of the country with as much expedition as possible, and give independent
members an opportunity of uttering their sentiments, of exposing jobs, of
being a terror to evil rulers, and a praise to them that do well. They
often lead to very animated discussions. In such little skirmishes Lord
Palmerston, the Bight Hon. Benjamin Disraeli, and Mr. Thomas Duncombe
greatly shine. As a rule, you may in consequence hear better debates
between half-past five and eight--the time when these little scenes may
be expected--than at any other period of the evening, unless, in the
small hours, the House is precipitated into an Irish row.

But time has passed away, and the more serious part of the evening's
business is commenced. The benches on both sides of the House are
already filled. That first row on the Speaker's right contains the
ministers. Fronting them are the Opposition, always a formidable, and
generally a useful band. If the Conservatives are in office, the Right
Hon. Benjamin Disraeli occupies the middle of the Treasury benches,
supported on one side by the mild and respectable Sir John Pakington, and
on the other by a figure fierce, and bearded, with a hook nose and a
glittering eye like that of the Ancient Mariner, the great poet,
novelist, and satirist of our day, Sir Bulwer Lytton. Lord Stanley, pale
and studious-looking, is by; and around them are the gentle Walpole, the
old party warrior, Fitzroy Kelly, and lesser lights. But undoubtedly the
observed of all observers is the leader of the great Protectionist party,
whose battles he has fought, whose councils he has guided, whose chiefs
he has placed upon the Treasury bench. Up in the gallery no one is
watched more keenly.

Lord Palmerston is the next best-stared-at man in the House; and next,
that champion of the British constitution, Lord John. The
Palmersto