How perfect Mr. RIDER HAGGARD'S latest story would he, if it weren't for his persistent introduction of the low comedian, a stagey French cook of the old farcical order. Couldn't he "find another way to (comic) man his Haggard?" This quotation is from _The Taming of the Shrew_, adapted. * * * * * ESSENCE OF PARLIAMENT. [Illustration: F.M. PUNCH'S PARLIAMENTARY REVIEW. _Fac-Simile of Sketch made by our Special Artist on the Field._] EXTRACTED FROM THE DIARY OF TOBY, M.P. _House of Commons, Monday Night, July 4._--Floor of House strewed with crackers to-night, popping off unexpectedly as proceedings advanced. Immediately after Questions, ARTHUR BALFOUR brought up to whipping-post. For so clever a young man ARTHUR has made serious mistake. Gave definite pledge upon certain clause of Coercion Bill, then omitted to fulfil it, and finally, when challenged, wriggled about and endeavoured to show that his remissness of no practical consequence. House doesn't like wriggling. Nobody but HART-DYKE came to assistance of beleaguered Minister, and _he_ was incontinently put down by SPEAKER. HALLEY-STEWART, that child of victory, came in fresh from Spalding. Greeted with thunderous cheers from Opposition who have plucked up spirits wonderfully. Old Morality, in his oldest and most moral manner, moved to appropriate remaining time of House for Government business. Fire opened upon him from all sides in protest against arrangement. Every man with a Bill wanted day to bring it forward. CHAPLIN in most magnificent manner joined in protest. SMITH having replied in detail seemed that the incident was closed. But in fact was only beginning. SMITH had greatly shocked GLADSTONE by incidentally alluding to Opposition as "entirely unparalleled in annals of Parliament." GLADSTONE, recalling some scenes between 1880 and 1885, raised his hands appealingly to 'igh 'eaven against the statement. JOHN MORLEY dashed in with vigorous speech; then GOSCHEN came to front, wringing his hands and working himself up to height of desperation. GLADSTONE had declared that he and his friends had not been charged with conniving at Obstruction. "If the charge has not been made," said GOSCHEN, trying to edge himself behind the plump figure of Old Morality, "it shall be made, and I make it."