Punch, or the London Charivari, Vol. 108, March 16, 1895Various
General
Punch, or the London Charivari, Vol. 108, March 16, 1895
Various
English wit and humor -- Periodicals
Happily there is CARSON and ST. JOHN BRODRICK. They represented Front
Opposition Bench in Committee on Land Question which sat last year. At
one crisis, things not going in Committee exactly as they desired to
conduct them, they haughtily rose and left the room. A striking scene,
never to be effaced from memory of those who witnessed it. It was,
or should have been, like withdrawal of props that sustain mighty
masonry. The temple should forthwith have toppled, burying in its ruin
the ten or twelve Members who had differed from middle-aged youth.
Nothing happened except the Committee went on with its work just as if
it were still sustained by presence and counsel of the retiring two.
Report was completed in sense of majority, and here was presented to
House a Bill founded on its recommendations.
To-night the two props of the Constitution resumed their useful
service of sustentation. CARSON, as he mentally struggled with the
problem of governing Ireland, unconsciously fell into PRINCE ARTHUR'S
early but now abandoned trick of sitting with his feet on the table.
Near him, diligently making notes whilst JOHN MORLEY expounded
his Bill, sat ST. JOHN BRODRICK. "There," said CARSON who has not
forgotten his POPE--
"There ST. JOHN mingles with my friendly bowl
The feast of reason and the flow of soul."
The brew thus blended did not prove very exhilarating. Word passed
round Opposition benches Land Bill not to be ruthlessly opposed at
this stage. With Boanerges RUSSELL approving it on behalf of Ulster
farmers, won't do for Unionists to show themselves implacable. So the
friendly bowl turns out to be something of the texture of a cup of
tea, lukewarm and oversweetened withal. More sad even than compulsory
meekness of two statesmen on front bench is depression of SAUNDERSON.
The Colonel must needs ramp in on such a question, but is pledged to
fight with button on his foil. After this unwonted spectacle House
could stand no more; gratefully gave leave to bring in Bill.
_Business done._--Irish Land Bill brought in.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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