London at the End of the Century:A Book of Gossip
a Beckett, Arthur William
1900
A MEMBER'S MORNING.
Further conversation suggested to me the idea of putting myself (in my mind's eye) in his place. I assume that I am a Member of Parliament resident in London at the end of the century. | |
It is eight in the morning, and I have to get through my duties. I glance at the Orders in the newspapers to see if there is anything in them of particular interest to my constituents. If there is, I must make it a point to be in my place ready to | |
41 | speak, if I can but And here I may remark that the operation is not so simple as it sounds. I have known it require hints to the whips and chats with the first commoner himself. If you desire to address the House you must let your wish be known. The task of selection rests with the occupant of the chair, but his decisions are greatly influenced by the advice of the organizers of the contending parties, and the personal qualifications of the would-be orator. If the oration concerns questions of a technical character, a specialist will be considered to have special claims on the attention of the House. The evidence of experts is always held in reverence at St. Stephen's, but it may be days before a private member can obtain his opportunity. A friend of mine, although supported by the influence of the whips and the good will of the Speaker, had to wait on one occasion through four sittings before his time arrived. He had to be continually in his place on the chance of the chapter of accidents giving him an earlier hearing. At the fourth sitting it was intimated to him that Mr. Speaker considered that he had deserved well of his constituents, and earned his reward; this confession was followed shortly afterwards by the eagerly anticipated capture of the eye. And then he was able to air his eloquence in the presence of a house thinned by the dinner hour. |
