“Question full of errors,” SPEAKER explained.

“Will the Right Hon. Gentleman kindly state them?” said ATKINSON, folding his arms, and looking triumphantly round the House.  Had the SPEAKER now.  He would go into particulars.  Sure to leave opening for master of argumentative tactics; ATKINSON would dart in and pink him amid applause of Senate.  Public business might be delayed, but what of that?  House liked intellectual treat.

SPEAKER, however, not so unwary as he looked.  Took no notice of ATKINSON’s inquiry; went on to next business.  ATKINSON wrote to Clerks for explanation.  No reply; so to-day gives notice of Vote of Censure on SPEAKER and Clerks.

“Sorry to be driven to this course, dear TOBY,” he said, when I ventured to remonstrate with him on his remorseless career; “have the greatest respect for the SPEAKER; shrink from depriving the Clerks at table of means of livelihood.  But an example must be made.  Effect not confined to walls of this Chamber.  My Motion of Censure on the SPEAKER will strike terror to the House of Lords, and go long way to deliver my noble friend DENMAN from thraldom under which a too sensitive nature lies bound hand and foot.  The House need apprehend no inconvenience to the course of public business.  Last night, in response to a bait artfully thrown out by Mr. TIMOTHY HEALY, I felt it my duty to rise in my place and announce that nothing would induce me to take office under the Crown.  But in the matter of the SPEAKER, I shall recognise my personal responsibility, and when, in consequence of my Motion of Censure, he withdraws into private life, I will take the Chair.”

Business done.—­In Committee of Supply.

Thursday.—­Haven’t seen SEYMOUR KEAY lately.  Report in House is, that he has been close and interested attendant on CATHCART case.  Rumour receives some confirmation from circumstance that to-day, CATHCART case concluded, KEAY suddenly turns up full of spirits and valuable information.  Subject (Land Purchase Bill back from Lords) particularly attractive to him, since it is bristling with obscurities.  Once, when a Lords Amendment submitted, TIM HEALY asked what it meant.  MADDEN sprang up with reassuring alacrity and said a few words, apparently of explanation.  Didn’t clear up anything; TIM insisted on wanting to know, you know; MADDEN nervously read and reread Amendment, couldn’t make head or tale of it, but wouldn’t do for ATTORNEY-GENERAL for IRELAND to say so.  Accordingly smiled on TIM with pitying air of superiority.  “Couldn’t understand what the Lords meant by their Amendment?  Well, well; surprised at such confession from one of TIM’s acuteness.”

Prince ARTHUR all the while turning over Amendment; at length interposed.  “The Hon. and learned Gentleman opposite,” he observed, “asks for an explanation of this Amendment; I frankly tell him I cannot give it.  I don’t understand it myself, and as it would be undesirable to include in the Act a provision that might lead to controversy, we will strike it out.”