* * * * * [Illustration: THE PARLIAMENTARY BILLIARD TOURNAMENT. "A LONG BREAK."] * * * * * "Yes, I should; but MILTON didn't; and, on the whole, I prefer his style." _Business done._--Pegging away at Parish Councils Bill. _Tuesday._--Since Parish Councils Bill went into Committee, Mr. G. has been silent in I don't know how many languages. It is highest compliment to Minister in charge of a Bill that his Leader should find it possible not only to refrain from taking part in debate, but habitually to absent himself through long periods of a sitting. HENRY FOWLER has earned this distinction. His management of intricate measure has been excellent; conciliating Opposition without causing revolt in sensitive ranks on own side. His Parliamentary position distinctly advanced. To-night Mr. G. drawn into fray. It was JOKIM who did it. At opening of sitting FOWLER resisted Amendment by STRACHEY making it permissible to transfer parochial trusts to management of Parish Council. After nearly two hours' debate, RIGBY put up to say that Amendment on same lines standing further down, in name of the contumacious COBB, would be accepted. "A put-up job!" cried GOSCHEN, sternly eyeing the irreproachable RIGBY. [Illustration: "A put-up job!"] This too much for Mr. G. Sat bolt upright from recumbent position in which he had listened to debate. His eyes blazed; a Jovelike frown clouded his brow; his hands moved restlessly, as, leaning a little forward in attitude to spring, he waited till the unconscious JOKIM, blinking at other side of table, should sit down. Spoke for only ten minutes; his energy supernal; his voice, long unused, magnificent. "A put-up job!" he repeated in scornful tones, with sweeping gesture of the arm. Drew graphic picture of Editors of new Dictionary coming upon this phrase in Parliamentary Report citing it, as thus:-- "JOB, a put-up." (_The Right Hon. J. Goschen, M.P._) Young Bloods behind Front Opposition Bench in historic corner, whose recesses MELLOR'S glance cannot penetrate, didn't like this. "Question! Question!" they roared. "It is a very interesting question," said Mr. G., ready for a tussle with them if they insisted. Pretty to see JOKIM turn round and rebuke the Young Bloods on back Benches. He was the object of attack; on his head the vials of bubbling wrath overflowed. But JOKIM has not lived in House of Commons all these years without its traditions of high courtesy and respect due to age and position being ingrained. He was shocked to hear speech of Leader of House broken in upon with noisy cries of "Question!" and, though they came from his own camp-followers, he did not hesitate to administer sharp rebuke. _Business done._--Got into fresh tight place with Parish Councils Bill.