_)]
* * * * *
ESSENCE OF PARLIAMENT.
EXTRACTED FROM THE DIARY OF TOBY, M.P.
[Illustration: "Standing at Bar."]
_Thursday, June 9._--The great strength of the Liberal Party lies in
its illimitable resources of Leadership. When in ordinary times Mr. G.
is away, there is either the SQUIRE OF MALWOOD or JOHN MORLEY to take
his place. Now, in these last days of dying Parliament, the Squire
follows Mr. G.'s leadership even to extent of stopping away from
House. JOHN MORLEY been here for short while to-night, but as soon as
he saw House comfortably in Committee he, too, departed. Seemed as
if Opposition, thus deserted, would stagger blindly on till it fell
in some ditch. At critical moment BOBBY SPENCER quietly appeared
on scene; naturally and irresistibly dropped into seat of Mr. G. on
otherwise almost empty front Bench. No sounding of drums or braying of
trumpets. BOBBY quietly walks up, brushing past ATHERLY JONES standing
at the Bar, and takes his proper place.
[Illustration: "Question! Question!"]
Effect upon House instant and soothing. Prince ARTHUR looks up
relieved. No one more interested in presence of strong hand on the
rein of Opposition than the Leader of the House. Business immediately
settles down to even and rapid pace.
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