Frostburg mining journal. [volume] (Frostburg, Md.) 1871-1913, 1892-07-02
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House of Commons.
The election Of Speaker is rather an in
teresting ceremony. The member pro-
posed remains seated in the body of the
House until the vote is declared, when,
after the leaders of all the political par
ties have eulogized his character and ex-
pressed their desire to support his au-
thority, he proceeds to the steps of the
chair and submits himself to the House,
begging them to consider we'll their
choice before deciding. No dissentient
voice being heard, he accepts the office
and seats himself in the chair amid plau-
dts from all sides.
Some nominal business having been
done, short recess follows, after which
the Speaker elect reappears in court
dress, black cloth coat, with lace fril;
and braided buttons, black kerseymere
breeches, black silk stockings, shoes
with silver buckles. and over all a richly
braided black silk gown with long train.
and full-bottomed cured white Wig
falling on his shoulders. He is preceded
by the sergent-at-arms, in full cours
dress and sword, bearing the gold mace.
and followed by refine of ushers ard
other officials.
In the meantime word has been sent
to the Queen of the election, and few
minutes later royal messenger arrives
conveying Her Majesty's pleasure that
her faithful Commons" should present
their Speaker to her at a, certain date
and hour.
When the time comes the Speaker and
his officers drive in state to the palace,
followed by his proposer and secondsr,
and as many other members as choose to
go. The party are ushered into the
Queens presence, and the Speaker, kneel.
ing, claims for the House Of Commons
renewal Of their ancient privileges, and
for himself free access to the sovereign
and all rightful favors. The Queen greets
him graciously, congratulates the MEM
bcrs on their choice, promises to uphold
and defend their rights, and dismisses
them to their laborS.
Thenceforward the speaker ceases to
belong to any political party or to take
any part in debates or divisions, unless
compelled to exercise casting vote,
which he always gives on that side
which allows of further consideration
of the question. His duty is to preside
over the proceedings of the House and
to decide on all questions of order Or
procedure, and his authority in every
cHs" is final.
OF late years, his personal power and
responsibility have been vastly increased
by the rules of Closure, which author.
ize and require him to use his discretion
in cutting short debate when wiiltul OBJ
s,ruction takes place, He has the power
to suspend members or even to commit
them to prison for gross misconduct, and
his warrant is all powerful for the pun
ishment of persons found guilty OF con-
tempt of the House. On the other hand
he is exempt from arrest, or any other
legal process for acts done in his off
cal capacity. AT any time when he
chooses to retire from the Speakership,
or fails to secure a reelection, he re-
ceives peerage with hereditary descent
to his heirs male.
The Speaker receives salary of $685.
900 year, and retiring pension of Sl2,-
500 for life; and he has the control of
patronage and expenditures, indepen-
IDENTIFY of the government, amounting to
$3.50, 900 year. He has very hand
some residence and suite of offices at the
House of Commons, and his official din
ners and other entertainments are
among the choicest festivities of London
society.
He goes in procession with his SER
geant. chaplain and ushers, the laced
skirts of his long robe held up by train
bearers, to hear prayers, read and open
:he preceedings-a quaint little bit Of
nediavalism that visitors to London
may well spend few minutes in wit
aessing-and on all state or public occa-
sions he comes Immediately after the
House of Lords and receives high honors
and Difference as the impersonation Of
the people of the United Kingdom.