Imperial Politics

Bruce Herald, Volume XXIV, Issue 2498, 1 August 1893, Page 3

Imperial Politics

SHOCKING SCENE IN THE HOUSE OP COMMONS. Scenes in the House of Commons have baoome diecreditable. Great heat was evoked on Wednesday when, irritated by Mr Chamberlain's opposition, Mr Gladstone likened him to a " Devil's Advocate," Mr Gnamberhin retorting that reference to the devil had become common in the House and that a devil's advooate was useful. This culminated the following day in a downright outbreak just before the closure was finally applied to the Home Kale Bill. Mr Chamberlain taunted Ministerialists with having made a g d of Mr Gladstone, and whatever ho affirmed they upheld. Never since Herod'a time had there been Buoh slavish adulation. Wild confusion ensued, the House became a pandemonium, Ministerialists cheered, the Opposition roared with ragp, " Shame," " Gig," " Time," and "Judas," were shouted. Ministerialists refused to allow questions from the other side, The Chamber resounded with inarticulate bellowing?. The Chairman of Committees applied the closure and ordered the ' division to proceed, but the Opposition refused to go into the lobbies until they had juatice. Then a free fight suddenly broke out on the fljor of the House. Arnold ' Foßter shouted " why associate with bloody > Irish rebels." Mr Fisher, member for Fulham, threw Mr Logan, of Leicester, from his seat. Colonel Saundereon rolled into Mr Austin, of Limerick, and Mr Crean, of 1 Ossory, and Nationalists and Unionists 1 swore and shouted at eaoh other. Mr Gladstone was pale, calm, apparently pained, but quiesoent. Mr Burns shouldered mem- , b3ra right and left and tried to restore order. Irishmen were knocked down and trampled on, Healy fell after a fierce ' struggle. Sir Ashmeal Bartlett, addressing the Premier, shouted " This is your doing," The Sergeant-at-Arms was powerless, the back of a benoh was wrenched off, clothes 1 torn from members' backs and the floor ■ strewed with jewellery. Meanwhile the 1 Speaker was summoned, order was eventu--1 ally restored, Borne apologies made, and the : Home .Rule Bill was finally passed and ordered to be reported on August 7sh, As Mr Gladstone left the Chamber he was f oheered midst cries of "Gag" and "Old 1 Dog Tray," There la strong feeling ■ throughout the country and the Chairman i of Committees has been advised to retire. i The mob outside Parliament House imitate I the scene and suggest that Jim Smith, the > pugilist, be elected Chairman of Committees, • The House of Common.! ha,? been iadellbJy