The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1892-08-06

seats on their side Of the house being uuoc-
cupied, but there was fair number OF the
Opposition present. Sir Charles Duke took
the seat formerly occupied by Mr.. Henry
Labouchere. Sir William Vernon Hsrcourt
led the Opposition Mr. Joseph Chamber
lain selected seat in corner above the
gangway.
Soon after the House assembled the gen.
tlemsn usher of the blsck rod summoped
the members OF the House tO attend in the
House of Lords aud hear the commission for
the new Parliament read. Mr.. Peel, the
speaker. attired il court dress and attended
by the members present obeyed the sum
mons and,prooeeded to the House Of Lords,
where the commission In full robes were
found waiting TO receive him.
There the speaker said a good word for
himself. according 10 custom. De informed
their lordships thai the faithful Commons
would proceed with tbe election of pre-
siding funetionary. and that in the exer-
else az their undosbtful rights and privi-
leges" they had looked la his own direction.
Whereupo9 the Lord Chancellor assured
him that Her Majesty Is so fully sensible
of your zeal for the public service and OF
your ample efficiency 30 exercise the right
and rules which the faithful Commons have
selected you 10 discharge that she does
most readily approve and confirm you"
Following thereon the speaker submitted
himself with all humility and gratitude
TO Fer Majesty's gracious commands. and
proceeded on their behalf 20 claim for the
Commons their undoubted rights and privi-
leges, especially to freedom of speech in
debate TO freedom from arrest Of their per-
son and servants. and particularly % free
access 10 Her Majesty when occasion shall
require Asking also that tho most Ia
vorable constructions shall be placed upon
their words and actions With due humii-
ity the speaker pleaded that Il any error
shall DO committed, il might DO imputed to
himself
After these ceremonies had been per-
formed the members of the Commons, led
by the speaker, returned TO the House,
where Nr. Peel signed the roll and took the
oath of Office. He was followed IN this duty
by the pivV councillors presented and by
the members. who. as is customary, took
the oath in patches OF Ave.
The form Of oath is very short and is in
these words: ~ swear that viii be faithful
20 Her Majesty Queen Victoria. her beirs
and SUCCESSORS, according to law. 80 help
me Cod
The first batch sworn consisted Of Sir
William Vernon Harcourt. Lord George
Francis Hamilton, first lord of the admit
rally: Sir Michael Hicks-B Beach, president
Of the board of trade Hight Hon. Henry
Matthews the home secretary, and Right
Hon. Edward stsnhope, secretary OF state
for war.
When Baron DO Worms, under secretary
Of state for the colonies. was sworn in he,
in accordance with the jewish custom. wore
his hat.
Mr.. James Kerr Hsrdie, the labor repre-
sentative of the South division of Westham,
appeared In the House wearing a cloth cap,
which he failed to remove during the cath
taking. The speaker noticing that Mr.. Har-
die failed 10 remove his head covering at
once called him TO Ofier and he reluctantly
dofed bis cap.
With $40 members to take their places and
be sworn some days must DO occupied with
the indispensable formalites. Until tho ar
rival Of the fighting time old parliamen-
tary hands will feel small interest in the
proceedings as Westminster. There is
growing feeling among all parties that hay-
ing regard 70 the ardu0us work involved by
the general election and considering tho
period Of the year it is eminently desirable
to accelerate proceedings as much as pos
sible in order 10 make september holiday
month