So it proved.  Prevention better than cure.  Nobody threw anything at New Member for Derry, and, when he had concluded successful Maiden Speech, went out and emptied his amazing pockets into his locker.

“I’ll save ’em up for a rainy day, as the man said when he pawned his landlord’s umbrella,” was Mr. Ross’s remark as he hurried off home, at least a quarter of a hundredweight lighter.

Business done.—­More debate on Address.

Thursday.—­Splendid House; full from floor to topmost tier of seats in Strangers’ Galleries.  The last scene in history of Government.  All the Actors on.  Boxes full; Stalls full; Pit full.  Contrary to LORD CHAMBERLAIN’s regulations, chairs placed in gangways.  Great rush for these, as affording novel position.  MATHERS, who got front seat, says it was very nice, but not without compensating disadvantage.  “Expected every minute, you know, the man coming round for your penny, as they do in the Parks.”

CHAMBERLAIN had first call; greatly cheered by Conservatives when he stood before footlights.  Little bit of farce to begin with.  ALPHEUS CLEOPHAS rose with JOSEPH.  Submitted as point of order that, in Moving Adjournment on Tuesday night, JOSEPH had exhausted his right to speak.  House howled.  Just as if, Lyceum crowded to see IRVING play Charles the First, JOHNNIE TOOLE came before Curtain and explained that, as CHARLES THE FIRST was indubitably beheaded some hundreds of years ago, IRVING would be out of order in appearing to-night.  Very well done, and added something to interest of moment.  But unnecessary.  JOSEPH equal to occasion without adventitious aid.

[Illustration:  Don’t Keir-Hardie, M.P. for ’Am.]

A fine speech, equal to the magnificent audience.  Even DON’T KEIR-HARDIE took off his cap to listen.  JOSEPH never better with his quick sharp thrust, his lunging blow, and his apt tripping up.  As usual, best where speech broken in upon with rude interruption.  Note the incident when launched upon his peroration, carefully prepared and perilously adventured upon.  House not passionately fond of perorations.  Will suffer them only from Mr. G. and one or two others.  CHAMBERLAIN rarely rises to peroration point.  To-night a great occasion.  Solemn enough even for peroration.  Rising with its swelling tide, he came to ask “the wisest and the most sensible among you to consider the situation.”  Standing at the moment with face turned to Liberals above Gangway; from Irish camp behind his back rose shouts of ironical cheers and noisy laughter, “Boo-oo!” CHAMBERLAIN stopped perforce, and with scornful gesture of thumb over his shoulder at mob behind, said, “Yes, to the others I do not speak;” then went on and finished his sentence.

“A great day this, for JOSEPH,” I said after, to SQUIRE OF MALWOOD.