“The Press” In 1866

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31082, 10 June 1966, Page 10

“The Press” In 1866

June 12 ADDRESS IN REPLY.—A few days before the meeting of Parliament four gentlemen, generally young in years, three of whom at least have a very aristocratic air, may be seen passing, arm in arm, from one Government office to another. At some their stay is short, but at one or two they spend some little time. They are the movers and seconders of the “Address.” which is to be proposed in both Houses. It is their duty, or rather privilege, to call upon the heads of departments, in order to obtain information as to the condition of public affairs. They are invariably received with great courtesy, and as

invariably assured by the head of each department that the office administered by the noble lord, or right honorable gentleman who is at the head, is in such a complete state of organisation, and has done its work so well during the recess, as to make an enquiry into the state of that department entirely superfluous; and it is added that the noble and honorable movers and seconders had better direct their attention exclusively to the other great departments of State. As this is the answer substantially received at each office, the amount of information received by way of the sum total is as nearly representative of nil as can be.— “Cassell’s Illustrated Family Paper.”