New-York tribune., 1901-05-27

view except when he is irritated, and then he
adopts harsh measures. which general
row. His chief lieutenant is Birmingham chap
called Joseph Chamberlain"
Here Mr.. Davies paused, and the smile changed
into a frown such as might have been seen on
the features OF Mr.. Pickwick when meditating
over the iniquities of the irascible Job Trotter.
Then he said:
Chamberlain possesses great ability, but is
highly combative in disposition and is endowed
with formidable fighting powers. Consequently
he is not so much loved. Another big boy by the
name Of Wyndham assists the captain This
boy is always courteous and kind in his manner.
When speaking at our debates he seems TO give
you the impression that he is a parson.
Considerable liberty is allowed in the debates.
The boys shout laugh, talk and cry Oh Oh"
and yet in spite of all these Interruptions the dis
cussions are Of great practical use and arouse
great interest. The captain. Bafour. Of course
takes the lead and, with his comrades, goes in,
a rule. for policy Of standstilr and stick
in the mud with a special partiality for the
wealthy. They are opposed by a party whose
chiefs the Scotch laddie Banrerman and
the naturalized Welsh boy Harcourt and whose
ruling ideas are large heartedness and sym
pathy for the woes OF mankind. This latter
party is small in number but with additions ex-
pected in the future will prove formidable.
There is also an independent set of Irish boys
of great ability and earnestress. In my anxiety
TO be always order. I applied for a book OF
rules that I might know how TO keep within the
prescribed limits. But l assured that there
no book the subject and that the law
unWritten and could be learned only by
pcrience. one great obstacle to my enjoyment
Of the debates is the practice OF making un-
necessarily long speeches Some OF these
speeches would be highly appropriate for Methu
saleh and his comrades but they seem to be out
of place for men who have much 10 do and only
a few years TO do ii in
I also noticed that with the exception Of the
Irish there are too many boys who have
10 grind and hope 20 derive some personal ad-
vantage from their action. In fact, when
have been more energetic than usual have
been asked what I was expecting. To this
have bly, replied that / want nothing
except 10 do my duty
After this essay on the House OF Commons
Mr.. Davies breathed a sigh Of WEAKNESS such
as Mr.. Pickwick might have heaved after one
or his hunting expeditions.
What do you think is the supreme question
before the English people at the present time?"
was asked.
Taxation" the immediate reply. Eng
land is now burdened with taxation never
before in her history. The plan which the
government has put through increases the
budget 10 tS9,OOOOOO year. or this $50 600 600
is for the army and navy and t25OO00O0 for the
interest the Old debt. Think Of $1,000 900
for military equipment,
The Liberals believe In strengt hening the
navy, for that is the strong arm OF the empire.
but they consider II folly 10 spend so many
millions the army IN which England has
never been powerful
The government says that the Boer war de-
mands such an equipment That doubt. II is
not numbers that is doing the work down there:
We now have greatly superior numbers. II is
perseverance and endurance The war has. in
deed been unfortunate one" Mr.. Davies
wiped his perspiring face and added.
But that bOv Chamber. in! I have repeat
edIy asked him 70 explain his methods, but to
avail. I keep my eye on him, but it is no
use"
Mr. Davies is the president Of the firm Of
Davies Turner & Co. of this city. which does
an express business with England and the Con-
tinent. While here he will attend 10 consider
able private business.