Quite true.  What officers in command of sham-fights call “the general idea” of the Sitting to-night, was—­questions beginning at half-past three; over probably at four; House in Committee; take up Army Estimates; peg away at them till midnight; then “Who goes home?” Time-table of what actually took place slightly, but firmly different.  House met at three; prayers, which appropriately prefaced HENRY FOWLER’s motion to permit Salvation Army to go its own way on quiet Sabbaths at Eastbourne.  Debated this till twenty minutes past six, the SOLICITOR-GENERAL heartily joining in the service; then questions, seventy or eighty of them, not seven or eight of public interest, the rest of character that might be raised on dull days in Vestry-hall.

At half-past seven, time to dress for dinner.  Still, Members think they’ll just wait and see business commenced.  “Instead of which,” as the Judge said, up gets SWIFT MACNEILL, asking permission to move Adjournment of House in order to discuss famine in India, and shortcomings of Indian Government.  SPEAKER invites those who support application to rise in their places.  Gentlemen below the Gangway, with hearts bleeding for famished fellow-creatures in far-off Ind (subject reminds them, by the way, that dinner is nearly ready), leap to their feet.  Twice the forty necessary thus forthcoming; leave given, and SWIFT MACNEILL proceeds to open his budget.  Then strange thing happens.  The eighty Gentlemen who sprang up to secure hearing for MACNEILL, being on their legs, conclude that, as it’s so near dinner-time, scarcely worth while resuming their seat; so they bundle forth, MACNEILL, somewhat ungratefully (for they had secured his opportunity) urging them to “be off, if they didn’t want to hear about the sufferings of their fellow-creatures.”

At ten o’clock MACNEILL episode closed.  Prince ARTHUR moved, with intent to expedite business, a Resolution taking Report of Supply after midnight.  Talked on this till twenty minutes to twelve.  Business reached at last, but since Debate closes at midnight, no time to do anything.  Committee of Supply accordingly postponed, and Members begin chatting about Gresham College, admitting in course of conversation that there is nothing to talk about, since Government have adopted suggestion of objectors to scheme.

Business done.—­None.

Friday.—­MACNEILL the Avenger to the front again, with his Motion about the Siberian Exiles.  “JEMMY” LOWTHER, in most judicial manner, supports Motion, that votes of PELLY, PULESTON and BURDETT-COUTTS on Mombasa Affair shall be struck out.  Prince ARTHUR argues on other side; Mr. G. throws weight of his authority into scale against the Exiles; JOKIM feebly attempts to reply.  On Division, in full House, Government defeated by five votes.  MACNEILL’s smile, as he announced the figures, simply enormous.  “At first I thought it was an earthquake,” said STANHOPE, shuddering.  Nerves shattered by second defeat of Government in the week. Business done.—­Looks as if the Government’s was—­very nearly.