Seene in the House of Commons

Manawatu Herald, 8 May 1902, Page 2

Seene in the House of Commons

EXULTATION OF THE ISIS# MEMBERS. There was a startling scene in the House of Commons daring the reading of Lord Kitchener’s despatches, undisguised hilarity at a British reverse on the part of the Nationalists being met by strenuous, fierce indignation from the other side. When Mr Brodrick rose and announced Uiat he had news from Lord Kitchener a hush fell on the House, and members eagerly leaned forward to catch the full purport of the message. At the omimous words “ bad news ’’ the tension became painful. The strain was broken when a solitary cheer from the Irish benches greeted the passage describing the pursuit of our men for four miles by the Boers. Angry cries from the Ministerialists silenced this demonatralion, but when the terrible tidings of the capture of guns, baggage and men fell like a crushing blow on the listening Englishmen loud and triumphant cheering rose from the Irish phalanx. A concentrated gasp of anger burst from the Unionists. Some cried “ Shame 1" ; others, with clenched fists and teeth, glared angrily at the exultant Irishmen; one or two half rose from their seats in the height of their passionate indignation. The waves of anger and fury soon subsided but the wild demonstration of delight in the British House of Commons at a British defeat has left a feeling of bitter resentment against the Irish party.