Happily the PREMIER is incomparable master of the rare art of brief reply, wherein he presents pleasing contrast to the manner of his old master, GLADSTONE. Had he chanced to be Premier when the Fourth Party were struggling into notoriety their task would have been more difficult, their triumph delayed if not unattainable. When GRANDOLPH, WOLFF and GORST, with PRINCE ARTHUR looking on, set themselves to "draw GLADSTONE," as was their custom of an afternoon, that astute personage became as a child in their hands. GRANDOLPH led off with a question, to which long reply was made. WOLFF, profusely grateful for the right hon. gentleman's courtesy, shunted the PREMIER on to another track, along which he cheerfully sprinted. Then came JOHN O' GORST. With the subtlety of a trained but not practising barrister he put a third question, drawing a third speech. Thus merrily sped a quarter of an hour or twenty minutes, deferring by so much the progress of public business. ASQUITH'S share in the conversation at the Question hour is based on a familiar Biblical injunction. It is largely composed of "Yea, yea," and "Nay, nay." In the case alluded to, wherein the Fourth Party gave play to their insatiable desire for information, he would have replied to GRANDOLPH, "Yes, Sir;" to WOLFF, "No, Sir." Had he been exceptionally lured into verbosity he might have gone as far as to say, "The answer is in the negative," or "in the affirmative," as the case might be. As for JOHN O' GORST, he would have referred him to a speech made on a particular preceding date, "to which I have nothing to add." _Business done._--LLOYD GEORGE further explains his Budget. Resolutions founded thereupon agreed to. _Tuesday._--What at outset promised to be businesslike debate verging on dulness suddenly leapt into flame and fury, signifying angry passion stirred by Home Rule Bill. In studiously moderate speech PREMIER moved resolution identical with that adopted last year, whereby Committee stage of Home Rule Bill, Welsh Church Disestablishment and Plural Voting will be forgone. Pointed out that Committee stage is designed for purpose of providing opportunity of amending Bills. Since under Parliament Act none of these measures can be amended in the Commons, what use to go into Committee on them? Being in increasingly businesslike mood PREMIER went a step further. Abandoned proposal to submit and discuss "suggestions" to Home Rule Bill. Authoritatively announced by WALTER LONG and others that the Lords are predetermined to throw it out on second reading. What use then to formulate and discuss suggestions that could be dealt with by the Lords only in subsequent Committee? Finally announced intention of getting Bill through all Parliamentary stages before Whitsuntide, placing it on Statute Book by automatic process of Parliament Act. Will then bring in Amending Bill dealing with Ulster.