The weekly intelligencer. [volume] (Lexington, Mo.) 1891-1901, 1892-07-09
THE HOUSE OF COMMONS.
Queer Routine About the Election of IA
Sneaker for What HodY.

Queer Routine About the Election of IA
Speaker for That Body.
The election of speaker Is rather
an interesting ceremony. The mem
Der proposed remains seated in the
body OF the house until the vote is
declared, when. after the leaders OF
all the political parties have eulo-
gized his character and expressed
their desire to support his authority.
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 dissen-
lent voice being heard. he accepts
the Office and seats himself in the chair
amid plaudits from all sides.
Some nominal business having been
done a short recess follows, after
which the speaker-elect reappears in
court dress black cloth coat with
lace frill and braided buttons. black
kerseymere brooches black silk stock
ings. shoes with silver buckles. and
over all n richly braided gown with n
long train and a full bottomed curled
white wig falling on his shoulders.
He Is preceded by the sergeant-at-
arms in full court dress and n sword.
bearing the gold mace and followed
by a retinue of ushers and other offlci-
ais.
In the meantime word has been
sent the sovereign OF the election. and
only a few minutes later a royal mes
senger arrives. conveying her males
tvs pleasure that her faithful com
mons" 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
seconder. and as many other members
as choose to go. The party is ushered
into the queens presence. and the
speaker. kneeling. claims for the
house OF commons q renewal of their
ancient privileges and for himself
access to the sovereign and all right
full favors. The queen greets him
graciously. congratulates the mem
bers on their choice. promises to up
hold and defend their rights and dis
misses them to their labors.
Thenceforward the speaker ceases to
belong to any political party or take
any part in debates or divisions. unless
compelled to exercise a casting vote.
which he always gives on that side
which allows Of further consideration
OF the question. His duty is to pre-
side over the proceedings of the
house and to decide on all questions
OF order or procedure, and his au-
fhnrifu In nunnu anon 20 Gna
OF late years his personal power
and responsibility have been vastly
increased by the rules of closure"
which authorize and require him to
use his discretion in cutting short de-
bate when willful obstruction takes
place. He has the power to suspend
members or eveu to commit them to
prison for gross misconduct and his
warrent is all-powerful for the pun
ishment of persons found guilty OF
contempt OF the house. On the other
hand. he himself is exempt from ar
rest or any other legal process for
acts done in his official capacity. At
any time when he chooses to retire
from the speakership or fails to Sc
cure reelection. he receives a peer
age. with hereditary descent to his
heirs male.
The speaker receives a salary OF
$25. 600 year and a retiring pension of
$l2. 500 for life. and he has the control
Of patronage and expenditures. indie
pendently Of the government amount
ing to $3.50. 600 a year. He has a
very handsome residence and suit of
Offices at the house of commons. and
his official dinners and other enter
tainments are among the choicest fes-
tivities 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. and read
| open proceedings-a quaint little bit
Of mediavalism which visitors in Lon.
don may we'll spend a few moments
in witnessing-and on all state or
public occasions he comes Immediate
| after the house of lords and receives
| high honors and Difference as the i'm
PRESERVATION OF the people OF the Unit
ed Kingdom.