The Daily bulletin. [volume] (Honolulu [Hawaii]) 1882-1895, 1885-03-25

mon. l'rot. Ndylanu, III begin
ming what he explained was only
going to he II talk, expressed his
pleasure in having the opportunity
Of rcquting in some measure the
universal kindness with which he
had been treated 10y dwcllers on
these Islands, beginning with His
Majesty the King His subject had
been announced. he said kangaroo
fashon'-the most important part
at the end, and he would reverse the
order, speaking first of the House of
Commons. That body was the
parent and pattern of all modern
delibCrativo assemblies, holding
supreme control over the most
powerful, wealthy, and intelligent
nation of the earth. AS one of
her own great men had said, the
House of Commons was the crown
of England. The royal assent had
not been withheld from any of its
measures since 1907, in the reign of
Queen Anne. England's constitu-
ton was the House of Commons,
for there was absolutely no limit to
the power of English legislation. In
fact, the constitution of England was
whatever tho House of Commons had
made it. 1t was difficult TO see how
it was possible for u grave constitu-
tional question TO arise in England,
for once 4 matter has become
statute it has passed beyond the
range of constitutional controversy.
The lecturer then gave description
of the three ways in which Il visitor
might gain admission to the proceed
ings of the House of Commons. As
the space for visitors was very
limited, and the Speakers Gallery
was set apart for peers, noblcmcn,
and their friends, good deal of
formality was necessary to be OBJ
served in getting the entry. A descrip-
tion of the House and it's proceedings
followed. The Speaker, who pre-
sided over it, was elected from
session to session, until the time
came for him to be elevated to the
House of Lords. lie was chosen
for his knowledge of parliamentary
practice, without regard to party.
There were $50 members of the
House, but only very few of them
were ordinarily to be found in their
seats. Over the Speakers head
was the reporters gallery, and the
lecturer characterized its occupants
work rs Il marvel of fulness and
accuracy. Members wore their hats
in the House, except when rising to
go out or to speak. In the order of
proceedings, the receiving of petit
tions came first. Although the
right of petition was still honored,
the petitions received scant respect.
A member rose with one in his hand
and, after mumbling over its con-
tents, sent it to the Clerk, who de-
posted it in a bag hanging by his
table. Next came questions put by
members to the Government, and, rs
Parliament was omnipresent as we'll
as omnipotent, these took wide
range, piercing even into local mat
ters that in other countries are
controlled by municipal bodies.
One question the lecturer heard
asked was whether it was true that
in the parish of Blank q magistrate
had sentenced boy to two months
Imprisonment for stealing two geese.
Notice had to be given of questions,
and if the head of the department
under which any of them arose was
a member of the House of Lords,
there was an under secretary in the
Commons to represent him. Ans
wcrs to some questions were with
held or postponed for state reasons.
Often the ablest debating of public
questions took place under this in.
terrogation of the Ministry. Young
members were always treated will
great respect when making theil
maiden speeches in the House, being
cheered along their way even wher
making but Indifferent efforts
clear, hear" was the only sount
ordinarily leard III the llOusc, Ou'
its uttcrancc was reduced to such :
fine art that it expressed, according
to its intonation, approval or dis
sent, admiration OF contempt, mirtl
or Indignation. AS to the manner
of speakers in the House the lee
turcr contradictcd the somcwha
prevalent notion that the style o
oratory was poor, broken by mucl
hesitation, hemming and having
lie had never heard better speaking
more eloquent and unconstrainct
utterancc, in his life than durin.
his visit there. No man living cx
cceds Mr.. Gladstone for his afilu
ence of oratorical gifts. Some o
the members were, however, rathe
ungraceful in action when on thei