The Portland gazette. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1818-1824, 1821-03-19
FOREIGN ARTICLES.
BRITISH HOUSE OF COMMONS.

DhIi 1911 dOCSE Of CO.n.HO-NS.
The emoluments Of the Speaker are esti-
mated at eight thousand pounds per annum, in
addition 10 which, be has q bouse, with exien-
slve offices, the principal entrance 10 winch is
from New Palace Yard. During the Session
be holds certain Parliamentary Levees, and
gives certain dinners, in The most princely
style, 10 which all The members are invited IN
turn. The room IN which these banquets are
given, Is situated Immediately under the House
of Commons
The emoIumenls Of The four Principal Clerks
are likewise considerable, and they also have
house. allotted for their residence. The same
observation may be- made with respect to Inc
Speakers Secretary, who, in turn, succeeds
10 the Office OF clerk al The table.
The office OF chaplain is entirely honorary
but . : step towards the attainment of a
valuable living
Il he house has attached TO il a valuable
library OF parliamentary precedents, including
many works OF great antiquity. This is open
al all times, under The care OF Mr.. Spiller, The
Librarian, for the use of The members.
he avenues 10 the House are replete with
COW enient Committee Rooms, which are reg
ularly numbered, and TO which some commo-
dlous additions have recently been made. 10
these rooms, committees on private bills, aud
on other subjects Ielered to committees M
stairs, assemble. They are attended by a
CLERK, and where evidence IS 10 be taken, by
a shorthand writer, (AIr. Quincy, or one Of
his assistants. The reports Of those commit
tees are subsequently transcribed and laid be
fore the House.
Immediately adjoining the staircase lead
ms 10 the strangers gallery, is room called
The Smoak'ng Room" II preserves Thu
appeliaIon hom The habit Of IoImer times,
when Tie members were accustomed 70 retire
10 this room 10 indulge IN The pleasures Of a
pipe, which by standing order was prohibit
cd il the body of the House. Within The last
twenty years some OF The admirers ot The best
Virginia were known to continue the practice
10 this place.
Attached 10 the House is a coflee-ro
where refreshments may be had, and al which
both nieuteTs and strangers, visiting the gal
iery, oocas onaily dine and sup. The bl OF
fare here "a restricted 10 certain vIands, 10
which, however, the most luxurious appetite
could make no reasonable objection il COM
prises rump steaks, mutton chops, veal pastries
of speculative excellence, cold roas, and boiled
beef, pickles Of all sorts, which would not dis
grace The talents OF the hrst-Tate cook, and
SuilGOn cheese, not less excellent in IFS way.
The potations are OF The FIRST order and consist
Of wines OF all the countries Of the earth. Of
the finest quality and flavor. Instances have
been known IN which they have made 9 the
dumb 10 spe k" and rendered tie most elo.
quent specific The late immortal Sheri-
dan, duiing as merry life, has. on more coca
sious than Que, borne ample testimony 10 the
Truth OF tbs remark. and the &C leLralsd convi
vial = II Is |. Jack Fuller" has not been les
,ocifeIous. II not quite so brilliant, on the
saue sa'ject More humble beverages NAV
be obtsI1e! FOR lees elevated characters such