“The Press” In 1864

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30534, 1 September 1964, Page 16

“The Press” In 1864

September 1. A FIELD NIGHT IN THE COUNCIL

There is a curious story told in the columns. of the London journals as having occurred in Ireland not long ago. A lady brought an action against a gentleman for breach of promise, and gained a verdict with damages at £5OOO. but within a short time the plaintiff and defendant married A somewhat similar result is that of the great debate of the Session, which took place in the Provincial Council on Tuesday night Mr Hall made a false step The public turned upon a Government hitherto strong and popular Resolutions were proposed which, in our humble opinion, practically reverse the policy of Government: the Government accepted the resolutions, and there is an end of the matter. Differing, as we

do, from the Government at this point, we cannot but pay them the homage which is justly their due as to their leadership of the Council. It is a great credit to Canterbury to see her palpably best men occupmg the posts of Government. There was really hardly a word spoken in the course of the debate from the Government bench worth listening to, excepting by,Mr Cox. who made his opening statement with clearness and precision, but with a paucity of those arguments which might be urged against the Government policy Mr Ollivier, whose advocacy of any cause in the Council is now equivalent to its defeat. was as ill acquainted with facts as usual, and, saying as little as usual, took rather longer to say it Mr Maude spoke with that powerful embarrassment which renders his oratory such a treat The

hesitation of some men is pleasant—it is the mind teeming with ideas, but embarrassed for words to suit them. Mr Maude puts a word on his tongue, and then stammers for an idea to fit. it. Mr Moorhouse, who waited till half-past twelve to have the chance of answering Mr Hall, waited till the capacity for attention had departed from the House, and his own energy and most of the candles with it With a capital case in hand he spoke very badly, wandering away from a simple question of finance into the most dreamy strain of transcendental politics. His nearest approach to an argument is the profession of a most profound faith in a conclusion, and. his nearest approach to a faith is an overweening and oftrepeated conviction in his own sagacity and foresight.