Mr. Tritton, a Tory member, insisted the letter should be read,
and this gave the Speaker one of those few opportunities which his
position allows him. In disclaiming this charge he showed his great
powers of oratory and the splendid and thrilling notes of his fine
voice. He defended himself at once from the charge of undue partiality
with strong passion and deep emotion, which lie hidden beneath his deep
reserve. With a face ghastly almost in its greyness, in its deepening
glows and manifest passion, he repudiated the charge of unfairness; he
vehemently struck his hand on the order paper which he held, and as he
neared to the end of his little speech there was a ring in his voice
dangerously near a sob or a tear. It is on such occasions that Mr.
Gladstone's sonorous and splendid diction and delivery come most to the
front; beginning a little awkwardly, hesitatingly, he warmed as he went
along, and there came to him the strange power of collecting his
thoughts and measuring his language which long years of Parliamentary
training has made a second nature. The House listened--rapt, hushed,
spellbound. And then there was no more to be said beyond a few
perfunctory observations from Mr.
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