New-York tribune., 1921-06-19

L.
Michael MacDonagh. In two volumes
Published by E. p. Dutton & Co. s14.
1NHE British Parliament is the
n Oldest and most powerful ma
tional Legislative body in the
world. Unlike our Congress- it
is not restrained by any written con-
stitution. In theory it could change
the entire form and structure of the
British government overnight with
perfect legality. 1t was strong enough
to overthrow and behead king at a
time when representative government
was scarcely known on the European
continent.
Many dry and learned volumes have
been written about the past develop
ment and present functions of Parlia-
rnent in England. Mr.. MacDonagh ap-
proaches the subject from a more hu-
man and popular angle. He draws a
picture of Parliament as it appears at
work to-day, generally inserting his
torlcal references only where they
shed light upon some old custom which
is still preserved, or where they help
to explain obscure points of admins
trat.ve and legislative procedure.
The antiquity of Parliament is at
tested by the retention of many old
usages which now have only senti-
mental or historical significance. For
instance, whenever "Black Rod" the
official messenger of the House of
Lords, comes to the House of Com
mons the door is slammed in his face
and he is compelled to knock for ad-
mission. This practice originated in
the days when the power of the crown
and the Lords was an object of jeal-
ousy and suspicion to the Commons.
Then there is the tradition that the
King may never attend q session Of the
House of Commons. The only monarch
who violated this unwritten law was
Charles |, when he attempted to seize
the obnoxious five members, and he
lost his head as a result. There is
quaint custom of having watchmen 60
about at the end of night session
calling out "Who goes home? 2" This
dates back to the time when bers
of Parliament were in the habit of
going home in groups for fear of be-
ing waylaid and robbed.
But Parliament's capacity for action
is not i'm paired by its respect for tradi-
tional observances. In the crisis Of
the war one time -honored precedent
after another was scrapped on a mo
ment's notice. Party government was
discarded; secret sessions became corn-
mon; the legal life of the Parliament
was repeatedly prolonged.
Politics is pursued with quite as
much keenness and absorption in Eng
land as in America. The major parties
all have their central organizations;
there is an intensive campaign to cap
ture the votes of laggard and indif-
ferent electors; and strict party disci-
pline is enforced upon the members of
Parliament after they take their seats
man has little chance of being re-
turned at a new election if he habit
ually disposes of his vote without re-
gard to the instructions of his party |
leaders.
Political strategy in the House of |
Commons is largely in the hands of
the party "whipas who are always
busy, marshaling reAuetant legislators
for divisions on important measures,
srnoothing out internal differences in
their own ranks and outwitting the
tricks of their opponents. Out of his
long years Of experience as Il polite II
reporter Mr.. MacDonagh recalls many
amusing incidents Of party strife. On
one occasion the wires connecting the
House Of Commons with a we'll known
Conservative club were cut, with the
result that the Liberals gained de-
eisive victory,
The House of Commons Is not very
tolerant audience. Only a man Of ex-
ceptionai montal and cratorica1 gifts
can be certain of holding its attention.
A mediocre speaker is apt to be ignored