Delaware tribune. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1867-1877, 1867-05-02
----------- -<zs-----------------
The English House of Commons.

Burleigh," of the Boston journal,
writes from London under the date of April
g. as follows:
The House of Commons is composed OF
63j members. BY a strange oversight the
hall will not hold more than one half OF
them. They draw seats for one night, and
that after prayers The drawing consists OF
the members putting their cards in little
groove on the back of the bench. Those
who cannot get seats below have to go into
the gallery, and those who cannot sit have
to stand. Tho House has literal bar. be
low which is the Peers seat, and no Peer of
the realm is allowed on the floor of the
House of Commons. While the House OF
Lords has gallery for ladies and its debates
are attended by ladies of quality as well as
others, the House of Commons will not al
low Il lady within its walls. Above the
reporters seat and behind the Speaker,
in Gagged closet, capable of holding
sixteen persons, with an iron grating.
not unlike nunnery is found the gallant
accommodation for ladies connected with
the House. Within this den and behind
the grating, having obtained written per
mission from the Speaker, which is regarded
as great privilege, ladies sit and hear The
debates, although they are invisible to the
debaters. The reason given for this custom
is omnipotent in this country--it is an old
custom. The great hall of William Rufus,
known as Westminster Hall, in which the
mighticst events of the nation have trans
pired, is now only a vestibulc to the House
of Commons
The Speaker embodies the dignity of the
House. He is chosen for life He usually
serves for about six years, then takes pen
sion and goes into the House of Lords. He
has a salary of S35, 900 per annum. He oc-
cupies sumptuous house, most magnificently
furnished at the expense of the nation. The
plate belonging TO the house with which he
gives ceremonial dinners cost the nation
SS50,000. Every night, on the opening OF
the House, crowds assemble to witness the
procession from the house to The chair. The
Speaker wears his wig and robes The huge
mace, gold gilt, AS much as n man can lift, is
born before him. The state sword, double
handed, after the fashion Of Richard of the
lion heart, over six feet long, gilt scabbard
and jewelled liilt, is borne by the sword
bearer. A man behind holding his train,
and chaplain in full rig, completes the pro.
cession. \ bedizencd official precedes the
party, crying out, 80 yez! o yez! make
way for the honorable Speaker!" All fail
back and uncover while he enters and take !
his seat. Few are present at prayers. There
Is an understanding that no business shall be
done for the first half hour. This gives time
for prayers inside and talk out Members
sit with their hats on unless they address
the Chair or move from their seats. An
outsider has no chance to speak. The min
isterial leader on one side and the leader OF
the opposition on the other send list to the
Speaker each evening. No other member
will be seen.
The division of the House is very curious.
1t operates frequently like snap Judgment
A call is made for division. A three-min
ute glass in front of the Speaker is imme
diately turned. When the sands run ou
the doors are closed, and no one is admitted