Scene in the Commons.

Manawatu Herald, 21 October 1902, Page 2

Scene in the Commons.

Paliarmant opened on Friday

The Nationalists hissed Mr Balfour and Mr Wyndham on their first appearance. The Speaker rebuked Such unprecedented behaviour.

Mr Balfour moved that Government business should take precedence indicating that the Education Bill would receive the 'main attention. He would then, ho said, take the London Water Supply Bill, the expiring laws for the continuance of the sugar bounties, the completion of the new procedure rules, the Indian Budget, and the acceptance of the King’s gift of Osborne to the nation.

The Irish members clamoured for a day for discussion oathe operation of the Crimes Act, Sir William Haveourt and Mr Morley supporting them.

$Mr Balfour promised a day if the Opposition moved a vote of censure. Mr John O’Donnell then rose, and Mr Balfour thereupon moved the closure.

The Nationalists passionately shouted ,l gag,” “ coward,” and Mr O’Donnell, disregrrding the Speaker’s admonitions, - commenced a furious harangue, the Nationalists encouraging with a steady rhythmic chorus of applause, drowning both Mr O’Donnell’s and the Speaker’s voices. Mr O’Donnell, working himself into a state of uncontrollable rage, ihoatsil hS the top of hits vok-^

| waving his arms, and shaking his | arms and shaking bis fists at Mr 1 Balfour. f Presently Mr O’Donnell hastily I' abided his place nearer the Minis- [ terial benches to force Mr Balfour ito hear las denunciation of the *; cowardice of Mr Wyatlham (Sscre--1 tary for Ireland) in first securing his {imprisonment on recent charges of | incitement of intimidation and un- < lawful assembly, and then gagging j him, b it owing to the clamour kept 'up by the Nationalists arid the | crowding in of members, only a few 1 words could be hoard.

Mr Balfour at this stage rose and addressed the Speaker, apparently moving Mr O’Donnell’s suspension. Then Mr O’Donnell, evading Mr William Redmond’s efforts to hold him by the coat, rushed across the Hou e, He stood opposite Mr Balfour—between the Treasury bench and the table—almost shrieking With excitement, ' wildly throwing his arras about, and shaking his clenched fists close to Mr Balfour’s face.

Mr O’Donnell poured out a flood of incoherent abase, accusing Mr Balfour of being Mr Wyndham’s accomplice. ( Mr Balfour calm and smiling ijhflinchinglv bent forward, but Mr Hanbuvy, Mr Long and Bitohie moved quietly up near Mr Balfour iii case of emergency since the House feared violdiiddi Tho scene, which was one 01 unequalled confusion, lasted three minutes, Mr O’Donnell at last shouted himself dumb, and finally shaking a fist close to Mr Balfour’s face, returned to his seat.

The motion for hia s ; sponsion was carried by 541 rotes to 5;, Mr Eedmoiid shouting, “ Send for the Horse Gntlrdsi 1 ' When the Speaker directed Mr O’Donnell to withdraw, it Was found he had not returned after the division.

The resolution that the Government business taka precedence was carried-by 262 votes to 145.