Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1892-05-21
THE HOUSE OF COMMONS.
Queer Routine About the Election OF
Speaker for That Body.

Queer Routine About the Election Of q
Speaker for That Body.
From the Philadelphia Inquirer.
The election of speaker is rather an interest
ing ceremony. The member proposed remains
seated in the body of the house until the vote is
declared, when, after the leaders of all the po-
iitical parties have eulogized his character and
expressed their desire to support his authority,
he proceeds to the steps of the chair and sub
mits himself to the house, begging them to con-
slider well their choice before deciding. No
dissentient 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 kerr
seymere breeches, black silk stockings, shoes
with silver buckles. and over all richly braided
silk gown with long train and full-bottomed
curled white wig falling on his shoulders. He
is preceded by the seryeant-at-arms. il full
court dress and sword, bearing the gold mace
and followed by retinue of ushers and other
officials.
In the meantime word has been sent TO the
queen Of the election, and few minutes later
a royal messenger arrives, conveying her
majesty's pleasure that her faithful commons
should present their speaker to her at a certain
da,e 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 60. The party are ushered
into the queens presence, and the speaker,
kneeling, claims for the house of commons u
renewal of their ancient privileges and for him
self free access to the sovereign and all rightful
favors. The queen greets him graciously, con-
graduates the members on their choice, prom
Uses to uphold and defend their rights and dis
misses them to their labors.
Thenceforward the speaker ceases to belong
to any political party or to take any part in de-
bates of 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 preside over the
proceedings Of the house and to decide on all
questions OF order or procedure. and his author
ity in every case is final.
OF late years his personal power and respon-
sibility have been vastly increased by the rules
o. closure" which authorize and require him
to use his discretion in cutting short debate
when willful obstruction takes place. He has
the power to suspend members or even to COM
init them to prison for gross misconduct, and
his warrant is all-powerful for the punishment
of persons found guilty of contempt of the
house. On the other hand he himself is ex-
empt from arrest or any other legal process
for acts done in his official capacity. At any
time when he chooses to retire from the
speakership fails to secure reelection, he re-
ceives peerage, with hereditary descent to his
heirs male.
The speaker receives a salary Of $4,000 a
year and a retiring pension Of el2,50O for life;
and be has the control Of patronage an expendi-
lures, independently Of the government,
amounting to S150,OO0 year. He has very
handsome residence and suite Of Offices Mt the
house of commons. and his official dinners and
other entertainments are among the choicest
festivities of London society.
He goes in procession with his sergeant,
chaplain and ushers, the laced skirts Of his
long robe held up by train bearers, to hear
prayers, read and open proceedings quaint
little bit OF mediayalism that visitors
to London may well spend a few minutes in
witnessing OH 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.