Punch, or the London Charivari, Vol. 104, May 13, 1893 — John Shaqi
Punch, or the London Charivari, Vol. 104, May 13, 1893Various
General
Punch, or the London Charivari, Vol. 104, May 13, 1893
Various
English wit and humor -- Periodicals
_House of Commons, Monday Night May 1._--Demonstrated in Debate on
Second Reading Home-Rule Bill that House may talk and talk through
twelve long nights, and not affect single vote--not even SAUNDERS'S.
To-night shown how a single speech may cause to collapse what was
expected and intended to be big Debate. It was Mr. G. performed the
miracle. Looked in at House on his way from Downing Street, where
he had received deputation on Eight Hours Question, and delivered
important speech. That might have served as day's work for ordinary
man, Mr. G., not to put too fine a point upon it, is not ordinary man.
Being here, sat listening to DILKE with close attention. DILKE thinks
time has come to evacuate Egypt. Stated his case in luminous speech;
sustained his reputation of knowing more about Egyptian Question than
most men except perhaps TOMMY BOWLES.
Mr. G. made no outward and visible sign of intention to follow; took
no notes, and sometimes, as he sat with drooping arms and closed eyes,
seemed to sleep. DILKE done and down, he sat bolt upright, looked
round with almost startled air, "Well, really," he seemed to be saying
to himself, "since I am here, and no one else is disposed to follow, I
might as well say a few words."
Spoke for half an hour, without reference to a note, and without
faltering for a word. Preserved throughout that studious assumption
of having accidentally looked in which marked his appearance at
table. Evidently desired to minimise as much as possible importance
of occasion. Subject broached, he was, possibly, expected to say
something; certainly not going to make a speech, much less deliver
oration. Carried out this subtle fancy to such extent that, pitching
voice on low conversational tone, sometimes difficult to catch full
length of sentences. This added to impressiveness of scene. Crowded
House sitting breathless; Members opposite leaning forward lest
they might miss a phrase. Everyone conscious that at the door also
listening were jealous France, the wily Turk, the interested Egyptian,
the not entirely disinterested CZAR, and the other Great Powers
concerned for peace of Europe.
Mr. G., for all his affectation of unpremeditation, evidently had in
mind these listeners at the door. To their shadowy presence was, for
him, added consciousness of keen eyes watching him from all quarters
of the House; some of his friends waiting for sign of readiness to
quit Egypt; the Opposition ready to catch at any token of tendency to
scuttle. Occasional passages he delivered at rapid rate; but you could
see him weighing every word with due consideration of these manifold
and conflicting interests and influences.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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