Punch (72.1877)

146

[Apml 7, 1877.

PUNCH'S ESSENCE OF PARLIAMENT.

(Extracted from the Spirit of PbpTS.)

Y Lord Duke op Richmond did move for a Select Committee (Friday,
March 23, Lords) to inquire into the powers of Commissioners of Sewers,
Drainage and Navigation Boards, and how they might best and cheapest be
set to work for hindering of floods, and storing of waters. Nor, indeed,
before 'tis need thereof, now that both Thames-side, and so much of the
Midland parts has been flooded till bodies have scarce had dry lying in the
churchyards, and the spirits that belonged to them have been, as it were,
but spirits-and-water at best. And, methinks, the Government is this time
for shutting the door strangely soon after the stealing of the horse. Yet 'tis
but a Select Committee; so that, I doubt not, it will be long enough before
they come to doing anything. Only if Englishmen were wise, methinks, between the plagues of too much and too little water, which is
floods and droughts, they would devise means for storage of rains, and so letting either prevent the other. But, strange, how long
it do take to get things first beaten into your Englishman's head, and thence beaten out again into act.

In the Commons a great stir as of a good bout of buffets looked for, and I in my place early, and mighty pleased at the buzzing
about the lobbies and in the House. And most Members did put off their Motions, to make way for Me. Eawcett, the blind gentle-
man that cannot see things in his way like another, and so will not be turned aside, but standeth the most sturdy to his point I ever
did see. And I like him; for, indeed, there are few such: and a clear, strong speaker withal, and doth not see when'men are weary
or angry with his speaking ; so hard to stop.

Only before he come to it was but dull talk of the two Members of Chelsea, for giving more Polling-time from eight in the morning
to eight of the evening. Against which I can see no reason, nor have heard none; and methinks, now so many have votes, it is well all
should have the most convenient time to give them, which is after four of the clock for most workmen. I well content the Chancellor
oe the Exchequer should grant a Committee on the matter ; only mighty vexed by the delay of the brisker business looked for from this
Eawcett, that should raise the Eastern Question again to-night, for the last time of raising before Easter.

And at last Sir Charles Dilke got aside, but not easily, for he is one that loves to be talking ; and no division taken, before Fawcett
come to his speech. And it do me good to hear one so downright in these over trimming and timid times. And do call a spade by its