SCENE IN THE HOUSE OF COMMONS.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXX, Issue 4462, 8 July 1875, Page 3

SCENE IN THE HOUSE OF COMMONS.

There was a “ scene” in the House of Commons on April 27. The questions had been asked and answered, and shortly before five o’clock the galleries became filled by “strangers” anxious to hear the debate on Mr. Chaplin s motion deprecating the export of horses. The Prince of Wales and a number of peers had just entered the gallery reserved for members of the Upper House, when a Mr. Biggar, one of the members returned at the last general election for the county of Cavan, rose from a bench below the gangway at the Opposition side of the House, and said, “Mr. Speaker, I see strangers.” Loud cries of “ Oh, oh,” followed. The Speaker, rising, said, “Am I to understand that the hon. gentleman, the member for Cavan, wishes me to take notice that strangers are present ?” Mr. Biggar replied, “If you please, sir;” upon which he was met with very audible hisses. The Speaker again rose, and (evidently with much reluctance) said, “ Then I have no alternative but to order strangers to withdraw." The “ strangers ” themselves did not appear at the moment to appreciate their position, and were slow to act upon the injunction of the right hon. gentleman ; but upon a second hint, expedited their movements towards the doom. The Prince of Wales, the Duke of Westminster, and other peers retired, but bis Royal Highness did not leave the precincts of the chamber, and returned to his place on the galleries being again thrown open. When the object of the member for Cavan was attained, and the House was cleared of strangers, Mr. Disraeli rose, and, amid loud cheers, moved the suspension of the standing order under which it is still permissible for any individual member of the House to exclude the public and the Press. The Premier protested emphatically against the annoying and offensive action of Mr. Biggar, and observed that he hoped that, with few exceptions, the members of the House of Commons were still gentlemen. The motion was seconded by the Marquis of Hartington, and supported by Mr. Lowe. The latter right hon. gentleman reminded the House that the leader of the Opposition had already given notice of his intention to move a resolution on the subject, and that it was one which required due consideration. Mr. Bryan, one of the members for the county of Kilkenny, in the name of the Home-Rule party, repudiated all knowledge of the motion, and spoke in terms of great severity of the action of Mr. Biggar, reminding him that persons who sought the distinction of seats in the House of Commons ought to be “gentlemen first and patriots afterwards.” Mr. Newdegate invited Mr. Biggar to explain his motive in getting strangers excluded from the House. Thus appealed to, Mr. Biggar was understood to say that he had been moved to interfere in the interests of the Press itself, and because the Government had not themselves taken action. He was also understood to say that he intended to inflict a similar annoyance on the House every evening until his object had been accomplished. At this, there was, of course, a laugh. la the debate that ensued Sir George Bowyer protested against the course pursued by the member for Cavan, as did Mr. Dodson; but Mr. Rouayne expressed his opinion that there had been too much repudiation, and that Mr. Biggar’s motive had been misunderstood. Eventually the motion of Mr. Disraeli was put from the chair, and was earned without a single dissentient voice. Even Mr. Biggar had not the courage of his opinions, and failed to challenge the ruling of the Speaker. The discussion lasted twenty minutes, during which the public were excluded. Fortunately for the grille the ladies were the only “ strangers ” who were allowed to hear the debate. They were not, of course, supposed to be present, although they were certainly audible.— Home News.