The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1884-04-04
In the House of Commons.
Listening With the Prince of Wales 10 the
Famous Leaders in ParIia ment.


Robert COllyer's London Letter to the Chicago
Tribune)
This chapel-looking room-aye, solemn
and sacred-looking room-is most oddly and
inconveniently arranged for the purpose of
a legislative body. 1t has long rows of
benches running lengthwise the hall, and on
these the members sit. There are no con-
veniences for books, papers, or writing. In
instances during the debate on the vote of
censure, and which it is my intention to de-
scribe, Mr.. Gladstone wrote on "blotling
pads" resting on his knee, as did also Sir
Stafford Norlhcote and others. During Mr..
Goschen's speech he constantly ooped
down TO get his MS. notes from his hat.
which was on the floor just before him.
1t was well known that on this night was
to be probably the greatest debate of the SEES
sion described by the Prime Minister as a
"histor!c debate" and every inch of room,
except in Peers gallery, was filled. The
Prince of Wales, who very seldom goes to
the House of Commons, bad sent word he
was to be present, and seats were provided
in the distinguished visitors gallery for
his Royal Highness and his attendants.
Through the active courtesy Of right hoI o.
duLC uACDDC15 buO Sp6dhcI S6uL lu6 duLul6blOu
for the same gallery, and, on the other side
of low rail, sat next the Royal Prince
and near to NJ. Clemenceau. l was much
interested during the entire debate in the
apt and often very witty comments of thu
Prince upon the speakers and speeches, and
in watching the intelligent, black, fiery ewes
of the great French Radical. One might
have known Clemenceau was a Frenchman
by bis frequent struggling of his shoulders
aud his lavish use of gestures. l did not go
INTO the House till after the dinner hour,
and till just as it was fast filling up. About
8 o'clock the building was PACKED full IN
every part, the ladies in their high gallery,
behind the bars, and to me the sight was
really comical. About one-half of the gen.
tlemen in the building were in evening
dress-in short in the dreis of ''mashers .
with very low white wais.coats. The Prince
of Wales was in evening dress of the most
exquisite texture and cut. The Prince has
name for being always most appropriately
attired.
Mr.. Gladstone looks careworn. His face
had an expression of trouble and anxiety l
have never before seen 1t wear. He Tolls
upon the bench, never sitting upright. He
was restless to degree all through the de-
bate, and, when not writing or moving
about, he was playing with bits of paper be-
tween thumb and fingers. Harrington, who
sat next to the Premier, was dressed in a
dark morning suit, and was ''sprawled out''
upon the bench, with his hat half over his
eyes during all the evening" when not ad-
dressing the House. On the Ministerial
benches were Mr.. Fawcett, the blind post
master-general, with his splendid, amiable,
intent face. partly hid by his enormous blue
spectacles; Sir William Harcourt sat erect,
with high aud mighty mein. 1t is quite
likely that Sir William has no more vanity
than other men, hut he does manage to
make an impression contrary to this. He is
one OF the most brilliant speakers l have
ever heard IN any part of the world. He
has powerful physique, kingy bearing,
and would be most impressive personality
and strikingly handsome man were it not
for certain inde6na5le peacockish air and
expression. Mr.. Chamberlain was in even
Ing dress, with his accustomed lovely little
'buttonhole' boquet in his coat, and look
ing tor all the world as trim as brand new
yacht just rugged for trial trip. Mr.. Cham
berlain is as keen and triu of mind as he is
in appearance. Back of the ministerial
benches sat Mr.. Forster and Mr.. Goschen.
The latter is scholarly-looking,a and is regard
ed as one of the most interesting and
"meaty" speakers in the house. He pre-
pares what be has to say with great care,
and always brings something fresh to the
feast. He is in this sense the most "origi-
naP' of the political speakers of the country.
He is listened to with respect and interest.
and his speeches are read by all classes. as
they are sure they will get that which has
been thoroughly thought out. Mr.. Forster
sat with his head IN his hands most of the
time, and looked as if he were tired of the
discussion and wan ed TO go to sleep. he is
a great angular, awkward body, who might
be taken i'll America as lust arrived from
Southern Indiana. His tan-coIored hair and
beard are unkempt, and he gives one the
impression that he is q lion and a lamb. or