Punch (93.1887)

September n, 1887.] PUNCH, OE THE LONDON CHAEIVAKL

131

THE DIARY OF TOBY, M.P.

House of Commons, Tuesday, September 13.—The House is "tip,"
or nearly so, and if not altogether, more shame for it. We are, as
•will be seen from thumb-nail sketch annexed. I'm not only up, but
have been off for a clear week. Come back just to hear Habcouet's
Speech. Liked to go finally before, but Abnold Morley wouldn't
let me. " Get a pair," said he, when I again broached subject,'' and
go as soon as you like." ,

All very well to say, " Get a pair," but where do they grow ? In
moody thought, and growing despair, met Habtington's dog. Here
was chance! "Roy" rather nondescript politician. Says he's a
Liberal, but barks in favour of Government, and, though admits
they're not always right (opposed them, for example, on Cadogan's
Amendment to Land Bill, and on Proclaiming of National League),
yet steadily votes for them. Is, in short, a Liberal-Unionist. We 're
asked not to pair with Liberal-Unionists. But exceptions to every
rule ; will make one here. " Roy " delighted. Says he's sick of
politics, and would like a roll on pasture-land.

Nearly everyone else off, pair or no pair. Irish Members, with
exception of Paeneix, have nowhere else to go, so make up their
minds not only to stop themselves, but to be the cause of stopping in
others. Parneia long ago gone off shooting. The O'Gobman Mahon
shook his hand all the way across Palace Yard, and assured him he
might go without a sense of uneasiness.

"I'll keep meeoi on things when "ye'er gone, dear Bhoy," he
said, giving his Chief resounding whack on back that nearly knocked
him down. ' We learnt a thing or two when gettin' the Bill o'
Roights through, and I've seen a thrifle since."
k A [dreary place the House, yet struggling through fag-ends of
work. Not a cheery Session from any point of view. No new
reputations made; some old ones shaken, some shattered.