Punch/Volume 147/Issue 3828/Essence of Parliament
(Extracted from the Diary of Toby, M.P.)
House of Commons, Wednesday, 11th November.—Both Houses met for what will be last Session of ever-memorable Parliament. Usual ceremony at State Opening by King, but atmosphere distinctly different from that familiar on such occasions. No crowd talking and gesticulating in Lobby before Speaker takes the Chair. That done, Benches seemed strangely empty. In Commons, as in Lords, most men were mourning, the gloom a little lightened here and there by khaki uniform. Whilst Leader of Opposition and Prime Minister spoke Members sat silently attentive. Only now and then subdued cheer indicated approval of a statement or a sentiment. There was sign neither of depression nor elation. The country, fitly represented within these four walls, has undertaken a great task, its performance making heavy demand of blood and money. At whatever cost mean to see it through. Meanwhile are grimly silent.
In course of brief proceedings curious instance forthcoming of prevalence of martial spirit even in unexpected quarters. Did not witness it myself, being at the moment engaged in showing a constituent the House of Lords at historic moment when, in absence of Leader of Conservative Party, George Curzon rose temporarily to assume functions he will surely inherit. Story told me by the Member for Sark, whom I find a (more or less) trustworthy recorder.
Seems that two new Members were in attendance prepared to take oath and their seat. In accordance with custom they were ranged at the Bar awaiting Speaker's summons. Observing one of them between his introducers, Speaker stiffly drew himself up to full height, and called out in ringing tones—
"'Ten-shun! Form Fours!"
House stared in amazement. Nothing disconcerts Mr. Lowther. Recognizing slip, he quietly ignored it; made fresh start.
"Order! Order! Members desiring to take their seats will please come to the Table."
Thereupon President of Board of Agriculture, assisted by Mr. Burt, the revered Father of the House, affably conducted towards the Table his parent, Sir Walter Runciman, newly elected Member for Hartlepool. Having seen him duly sign roll of Parliament he stood him tea on the Terrace, made him free of the smoking-room, and invited him to partake to-morrow night of famous House shilling dinner.
These filial amenities pleasantly vary the austerity of Parliamentary life.
Business done.—Parliament reassembled. Address in reply to Speech from the Throne moved in both Houses.
"THE PILOT IS PICKED UP AGAIN."
[Lord Fisher comes aboard.]
House of Lords, Thursday.—A new-comer to Ministerial Bench. It is Lord Fisher of Kilverstone, commonly and affectionately known as "Jack." Three years ago, fatal age limit being reached, Admiralty regretfully but compulsorily Dropped the Pilot. Now, three years older as the almanack counts, actually as young as ever, the Pilot is picked up again. His appearance at the helm greeted with hearty cheer resounding from shore to shore.
Everyone knows that present condition of Navy, making it dominant on all seas, is mainly due to him. Recognized as fitting thing that he should be placed in charge of weapon that with patient endeavour, supreme skill, unerring foresight he had forged. Never yet in time of war have these Islands been in such safe keeping. With K. K. at the War Office and Jack Fisher at the Admiralty British householder may sleep in his bed o' nights unafraid.
By another happy concatenation of circumstance Admiralty is represented in both Houses. With Winsome Winston in the Commons and Jack Fisher in the Lords, the Navy will have a good show. Only doubt is whether First Sea Lord will think it worth while to devote to Parliamentary duties the measure of time exacted from First Lord of Admiralty. Essentially a man of action, he has little patience with custom of talking round a matter. Nevertheless well to know that, if occasion serve, he can make a speech far beyond average in respect of power and originality. Discovery made when, six or seven years ago, he fluttered the decorous dovecotes of the Royal Academy by delivering at its annual banquet a memorable speech on condition and prospects of Navy.
Unlikely, too, that Jack Fisher will take part in perfunctory performances, as when the House, meeting at 4.15, sits twiddling its noble thumbs till 4.30, the hour on stroke of which public business commences. There being none, or not any that occupies more than five minutes, they straightway adjourn. But, if serious debate on Naval affairs arises, First Sea Lord may be counted upon to be at his post.
Business done:—Address agreed to. House adjourned till Monday.