And
thus a division was immediately called. The House was cleared; members
rushed in, and, indeed, had already begun to pass through the lobby;
when suddenly there was a complete change of tactics; Mr. Marjoribanks,
rushing to the Treasury Bench, called upon the Government to capitulate.
The fact got out; the Government were in a minority--their forces had
not come in time, and the Tories would have beaten us if they had been
allowed to go to a division. It was one of the narrowest shaves--one of
the most uncomfortable quarters of a minute--we have had in the House of
Commons for many a long day.
[Sidenote: The fateful moment.]
But half-past five comes at last; then the discussion on the Home Rule
Bill has to come to an end, and the Speaker takes the chair. Members
think there is a look of unusual excitement on his face, that its air is
angry; and the Unionists take comfort from the idea that this step is
against his judgment. But, then, it is a matter for the House itself and
not for the decision of the chair, and so we go ahead. Mr. Morley is put
up by Mr. Gladstone to read the words of the resolution. The Old Man
himself is composedly writing that letter to the Queen which it is still
his duty daily to indite.
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