The Stourbridge Observer, Cradley Heath, Halesowen & District Chronicle.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1881-08-06 00:00:00

THE SCENE IN THE LOBBY.

At a quarter to twelve Mr. Bradlaugh appaared in the
lobby, which was then pretty well filled. There was then
an interval of twenty minutes before anythinc, took place,
during which interval 3lr. Bradlaugh entered pinto conver-
sation freely with several friends. There was a certain buzz
of conversation, but not much that could be called excite-
ment. At a few minutes past twelve the Speaker passed into
the House, and, as is always the ease when prayers are being
said, the doors of the House were shut. When prayers
were over, the doors were again opened, and, after some
other members had passed in, Mr. Bradlaugh advanced. He
was met by Mr. Erskine, the Deputy Serjeant-at-Arms. A
conversation took place between the two, and after a few
moments Mr. Bradlaugh attempted to pass. Up to this time
all was tranquillity and politeness itself, but immediately
the scene changed to violence. Mr. Bradlaugh, seized by
several policemen, resisted by thrusting out his arms. He
was hustled on to the door with rapidity, and surrounded
by a dense throng of members he was put out of the lobby to
the top of the members' private staircase, down all its flights
to the floor beneath, and out into Palace-yard. He looked
pale and agitated, and struggled fiercely.

When Mr. Bradlaugh made his appearance in the Palace-
yard he was still struggling with several policemen. There
was an immediate rush from the hall and various
parts of the yard, and loud cheers followed every
fresh struggle of Mr. Bradlaugh, who was observed
by those nearest to him to lie in a fainting condi-
tion. A glass of water was brought him with which his face
was bathed. At half-past twelve the police reserve being
brought up, the Palace-pard was cleared. The hon. gentleman
was lcft standing outside the House, gazing at the passag4
through which he had been forcibly ejected. Here he
remained until the result of the division on Mr.
Labouchere's motion was made known, and when it
was announced that the result was the approval of
the action taken by the House as 191 against
seven, Mr. Bradlaugh again presented himself for admissibn,
which was again refused. He then took a hansom with
the expressed intention of proceeding to the Westminster
Police-court, to take out a summons or summonses
against those whom he charges with having committed
an assault or series of assaults upon him.
Mr. Brad laugh's secretary intimated publicly before
leaving that the member for Northampton would present
himself at the House again and again each day during
the remainder of the Session.

The Globe of Wednesday evening says :—" It is stated
that on reaching the lobby Mr. Bradlaugh waited until the
Speaker had taken the chair, and then attempted to enter
the House. The Assistant Serjeant-at-Arms informed him
that his orders were not to allow him to pass the door, and
Mr. Bradlaugh replied, ,` I am here in accordance with the
orders of my constituents, and who touches me does so
at his peril.' He then attempted to force his way into
the House, and was seized by the Assistant-Serjeant and the
Deputy-Serjeant, who, with the aid of a number of constables,
speedily brought Mr. Bradlaugh down the lobby stairs into
the yard. No blows were struck, and Mr. Bradlaugh's
resistanoe did not go beyond the attempt to resist eject-
ment."