lurked in Smithers' speech, the country gets
the benefit. At times, also, were it not for the Press, it would be
almost impossible to transact the business of the country. For instance,
we refer to Mr. Wilson's proposals for Customs Reform. On the occasion
to which we refer, Mr. Wilson spoke for nearly four hours. Mr. Wilson we
believe to be an excellent man, and father of a family, but he certainly
is a very poor speaker. Never was there a duller and drearier speech.
Few men could sit it out. In the gallery there were a few strong-minded
females who heard every word--what cannot a strong-minded woman do?--but
M.P.'s gossipped in the lobby--or dined--or smoked--or drank
brandy-and-water--in short, did anything but listen to Mr. Wilson; and
yet this was a grave, serious government measure. Why, then, did not
members listen? Because there was no need for them to do so. The
_Times_ would give it them all the next morning; and so it mattered
little how empty of listeners was the House, provided the reporters were
there and did their duty. It is the same when the House legislates for
our Imperial colonies, or our 150,000,000 in India. It is to the
Reporters' Gallery members speak, not to the House. Thus is it orators
are so plentiful in spite of the freezing atmosphere. Ordinarily no one
listens--no one expects to be convinced--no one seeks to convince. Said
an old M.P., "I never knew a speech that influenced a vote." As a rule,
the M.P. was right. Orators like George Thompson are quite out of place
in it. Such a man as Henry Vincent would be a laughingstock. The House
consists of middle-aged gentlemen of good parts and habits, and they like
to do business and to be spoken to in a business-like way. Next to
business-like speakers, the House likes joking. Hence it is Tom Duncombe
and Lord Palmerston are such favourites. Hence it is that Colonel
Sibthorp got and Henry Drummond gets so readily the ear of the House.
The House cares little for declamation. It would rather be without it.
It considers it a waste of time. Figures of arithmetic are far more
popular than figures of speech. You must learn to speak to the House in
its own style. Disraeli attempted to take the House by storm, and
palpably failed. He altered his style. He learnt to talk figures, and
became a success. More recently Mr. Warren attempted the same feat, and
also failed. If you adopt the Parliamentary style, and have the
requisite _p