e to take necessary
steps to maintain high standard of single-minded disinterestedness in
public service. Though nominally concerned with the PREMIER and the
public service HOPE told a flattering tale which was a thinly veiled
attack on that meek personage the CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER.

ARCHER-SHEE, who followed, was less circuitous in his retrograde march
on old Marconi quarters. Soon had Committee in state of uproar vainly
combated by those champions of order, WINTERTON, ARTHUR MARKHAM and
SWIFT MACNEILL. WINTERTON, whilst constitutionally forceful, was
irresistibly irrelevant. Member for Pontefract venturing to offer an
observation, WINTERTON shouted, "Order, pigeons!"

Of course there were no pigeons about. An active mind, quick to seize a
point, had harked back to DICK TURPIN BOOTH'S ride to Yorkshire in a
race with carrier pigeons.

MARKHAM denounced ARCHER-SHEE for delivering "a low attack that could
not be answered." Accusation summarised by other Members with yell of
"Coward!"

As for SWIFT MACNEILL, ARCHER-SHEE presuming to rise simultaneously with
one of his many upgettings, he turned upon him and roared, "Sit down,
Sir!" Gallant Major so terrified that he incontinently fell back in his
seat.

To general discussion Members from various quarters of House contributed
the observations, "Dirty lies!" "Coward!" "Caddish!" "Unspeakably low!"
"Shut up!" Only for coolness, courage and prompt decision of WHITLEY in
the Chair discreditable scene would have worthily taken its place among
others that smirch pages of Parliamentary record. Having occupied two
hours of time assumed to be valuable it died out from sheer exhaustion.
On division what was avowedly vote of censure on PREMIER negatived by
majority of 152.

_Business done._--Summer storm in Committee of Supply.

* * *

Illustration: _Lord MORLEY._"Thanks, I won't trouble you; I still
have a crust left."

["The noble marquis seemed to regard the Government as a shipwrecked
mariner--I presume a pirate. If I am a pirate he is the last man to whom
I should think of applying for aid, unless the distress was dire
indeed."

_Lord MORLEY._]

* * *

_House of Lords, Thursday._--Second night of debate on Amending Bill to
modify a measure not yet enacted. House crowded, evidently weighed down
by a sense of direct responsibility at grave crisis. _Le brave_
WILLOUGHBY DE BROKE has no patience with attitude of noble lords on
Front Opposition B