DISORDERLY SCENE

Gisborne Times, Volume XIX, Issue 1496, 3 July 1905, Page 2

DISORDERLY SCENE

UNPRECEDENTED UPROAR.

The London papers received yesterday contain long reports of the extraordinary and disgraceful scene witnessed in the House of Commons on May 22nd, and which was reported at the time in our cable messages. One account says : “If it is true,” concluded Sir Henry, as a crowded House listened intently, “ that the country has been misled, wb have to judge what effect that will have upon the dignity and character of a British Prime Minister and upon the honorable traditions of this House.” Before the echo of the rousing cheer provoked from the Opposition by this sentiment had died away, Mr Lyttelton, the Colonial Secretary, was observed standiog at the Treasury table, prepared to reply. “ The Prime Minister—” ho began. A roar of surprise, of indignation, rose from the Opposition banehos. ' " Balfour 1 Balfour I The Prime Minister must reply ! ” shouted two huudre'd voices. “ The Prime Minister—” recommenced Mr Lyttelton, resting one arm on the brassbound box, and surveying with the immutability of a sphinx tho surging, excited members befoto him. And in the midst of it all, in his characteristic, semi-horizontal position, a smile curving tho corners of his mouth, his glance rivetted upon nothing in particular, sat the Prime Minister—the only composed and one of the very dignified figure* in the Chamber. Another five minutes—ten minutes—a quarter of an hour elapsed, Mr Lyttelton still on bi 3 feet. “ The Prime Minister,” he commenced a score of times. And as often his words were drowned in the tumult of noise. Mr Winston Churchill rose. Dnionists -retaliated by refusing to hear him, Thereupon the junior momber for Oldham placidly walked to the Speaker’s chair, and at the eteps attempted to utter what he bad to say. A perfect hurricane of noise swept across the chamber,

Afterwards Sir Henry Campbell-Ban-nerman rose, but Ministerialists declined to hear him. He besought Mr Balfour to reply to the criticisms passed upon him. “He is the solo cause of this disorder,” declared Sir Henry, whereat the din rose higher than ever. Finally Mr Balfour said a few words, but apparently the Opposition were not Baiisfied.

Mr Lyttelton once more resumed his position at the Treasury table. '* Go to the Old Bailey,” advised an Irishman and again the monotonous cry, " Balfour !” came in a stertorious chorus. At half past ten Mr Lyttelton had been on his feet for exactly an boor without

having proceeded any further than The Prime Minister.”

As there was no prospect of preserving order, the Deputy. Speaker adjourned the House under a rule put into operation for the first time empowering him to take such action in case of “ grave disorder” within the Chamber. Snch a scene in the Houbb is probably unprecedented. it marks a step down- I ward in the prestige of the House, and I provides a precedent which may again be j used.