Page:Punch Vol 148.djvu/284

time somewhere. (This sarcastically to himself.)

Suddenly one broke away from group at doorway; entered House; seated himself for a moment on front bench below Gangway; rising, moved a count and straightway bolted.

It was here that happened what in diplomatic language is sometimes alluded to as "a regrettable incident." In accordance with ordinary procedure Rees, interrupted by a count, was obliged to resume his seat, while for space of two minutes the bells signalled the motion through all the rooms and corridors. Casabianca, M.P., the flames from the burning deck metaphorically creeping nearer, sat motionless on Treasury Bench. Not so Rees. Anxiously watching the door and finding none came in to "make a House," he, before the two minutes' interval elapsed, fled.

This unchivalrous desertion of an audience that had stood by him to the last, may, as suggested, have wounded an honest breast. Casabianca made no sign. He was there to do his duty and there remained.

Task of Deputy-Speaker thus became an easy one. Rising with intention to discover whether the statutory quorum of forty Members was present he fixed his eye on the unmurmuring Acland.

"One," he counted. Then, after almost imperceptible pause, added, "The House will now adjourn.'

Which it (meaning Casabianca) forthwith did.

Business done.—A good deal, including introduction of Bill to amend Defence of the Realm Act. "Probably the most drastic measure ever submitted to the House of Commons," said Bonar Law. But he offered no opposition, leaving responsibility with Government.

Monday, 15th March.—Striking evidence of position of affairs in time of truce is dumbly presented by appearance of bench by exit door in central Lobby. In ordinary times here on guard sits one of the Ministerial Whips. Alert, imperative, it is his business to challenge any member of the Party attempting to pass out. Where was he going to? When would he be back? Certainly must be on the spot when bell sounded for pending division. To-day and on all days since session was resumed no division has been expected. Members accordingly are free to come and go at their own sweet will. Only once was a division so much as threatened. It happened a fortnight ago, when Labour Members, thinking it time they reminded their constituents of continued existence, moved an amendment on question of food prices and alleged shortcoming of the Government in that connection. Instantly old familiar ways were returned to. The Whip reappeared on sentry duty at the doorway. Summonses were dispatched, by telephone and special messenger, to errant Members demanding their instant return to House. It was a wholesome whiff of a familiar breeze, usefully showing that, though peace reigned, powder was kept dry. As it happened threatened division was averted, and Whip's bench by doorway resumed deserted appearance it presents to-night.

Business done.—Work of pre-Easter section of Session completed. Tomorrow both Houses adjourn for exceptionally long recess.

The Kölnische Zeitung says "England wishes war to the knife and she shall have it." In return, England will be pleased to supply Germany with war to the knife and fork.

"At the same time the Commander of the torpedo boat, if on looking over the surface of the son with a practised ewe saw no ship in sight, yet distinguished the sound of a screw, he would immediately conclude that there was a submarine in his neighbourhood sailing under water."—Scotsman.

We knew that many of our war-vessels were provided with rams, but this is a new development.