Page:Punch Vol 148.djvu/487

House of Commons, Monday, 10th of May.—The civilised world ablaze with horror and anger at latest example of German Kultur. Reasonable to suppose House of Commons, epitome and representative of British nation, would reassemble to-day in state of turbulent indignation. House of Commons is an odd place, unique in its characteristics. Looking round the benches, noting tone and purport of inquiries addressed to First Lord of Admiralty, one might well suppose that nothing particular had happened since it adjourned last Thursday. Questions numerous; all of practical character. Unemotional as if they referred to outrages by newly-discovered tribe of fiends in human shape peopling Mars or Saturn. First Lord, equally undemonstrative, announced that Board of Trade have ordered inquiry into circumstances attending loss of Lusitania. Pending result, it would be premature to discuss the matter.

This way of looking at it struck some listeners as the sublimation of officialism and national phlegm. Hero is a British passenger ship homeward bound across Atlantic. Within sight of land she is feloniously struck without warning by a torpedo launched by a German submarine. Out of a total of 1,906 souls, passengers and crew, 772 survive.

These are bare facts beyond dispute. But, as First Lord says, we must have enquiry into the matter. It will take days to complete, maybe weeks. Meanwhile we must say nothing about it.

Continued absence of Speaker an incident illustrating universality of influence of the War. Mr. Lowther's son was wounded when gallantly fighting at the Front. The Speaker, "leaving the Chair' without putting the usual question, has gone out to succour and cheer him in his hospital bed. He carries with him the sympathy and good wishes of the whole House. These extended to the Prime Minister who also has a son stricken down on the battlefield.

Notable to-day how, with exception here and there of a touch of khaki, majority of Members are in mourning. Doubtless partly in sign of sympathy with relatives of the victims of the wholesale murder on the sea off Kinsale. Has for some time been the token of abiding sorrow among Members of both Houses, which have, perhaps in exceptional proportion, been hardly hit.

Business done.—Bill dealing with control of Drink traffic in munition areas read a second time.

Tuesday.—"Save me from my friends!"

'Twas the voice of the Chancellor of the Exchequer. I knew he'd complain. And with good reason. In charge of Bill of declared and admitted urgency. Designed to withstand malign influence diminishing supply of munitions of war, hampering splendid efforts of army in the field, imperilling safety of the country, at least lengthening duration of War with its daily holocaust. Limited to single operative clause it proposes that, wherever it appears expedient for successful prosecution of the war, supply and sale of intoxicating liquor shall be controlled by the State in any munitions, transport or camp area.

Temperance party, whilst approving bestowal upon Government of supreme control of supply of liquor, object to their undertaking its sale. Visions of Lord Chancellor with apron conveniently tucked up over his portly figure handing tankards of four-half across the counter to perennially thirsty workmen, the Chancellor of the Exchequer trotting out at midday with the dinner ale, crossed their mind.

Attorney-General pointed out that it is essential part of scheme that Government may supply liquor as well as food to workmen in areas where public-houses are closed against them. By-Your-Leif-Jones led little band of teetotalers armed with amendments. In vain Chancellor of the Exchequer pleaded that if carried they would destroy object of legislation.

"Insert them," he said, "and the Bill is practically dead. We must be authorised to make provision for adequate reasonable refreshment for the men in these districts or we may as well withdraw the Bill. The situation is a grave one. Any man who does anything to hinder the output of the munitions of war or the transport of ships and materials accepts a responsibility I should be sorry to share with him."

Argument fell on deaf ears. With or without your leave Jones and his friends insisted on pressing their amendments.

At this stage, Leaders of Opposition came to rescue. Time was when sign of revolt in any section of multiform Ministerial majority would have been studiously fostered. In this hour of peril patriotism stands before party. Austen Chamberlain and Leader of Opposition in succession rose to support Ministers. Amendment and others of similar purport finally withdrawn. Bill passed through Committee; by consent was carried through Report Stage.

Business done.—A Couple of War Emergency Bills hurried forward.

Thursday.—Amid poignant personal sorrow pervading House under shadow of war,