SCENE IN THE HOUSE OF COMMONS.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1560, 26 March 1887, Page 3

SCENE IN THE HOUSE OF COMMONS.

London, March 22. The House of Commons has been sitting continuously since yesterday afternoon, discussing the proposed vote on account of the Civil Service. The proceedings have been protracted by the obstructive tactics of the Irish mem- ' hers. Later. A long sitting of the House of Commons was brought to a close at 1.20 a.in. The Irish party, finding that organised obstruction would not bring about «n adjournment gave way, and every vote for the Civil Service was passed. Throughout the night the Irish and Radical members on the Government side, who had gone home, were summoned by the Conservative whips, many members being called out of bed to resume their places. W hen the Conservative members returned it was evident to the obstrutiom'sts that they had no chance of gaining their end, but they continued their objection in the hope that the votes would be postponed. It was announced that Government intended sitting until the votes had been passed, and it was useless for the obstructionists to attempt to defeat the Government. Mr Labouchere, who took a prominent lead in the obstruction, threatened that if Government persisted he would make thirty speeches and move twenty amendments. If, however, Government would accede to the demands of the Opposition, hi* offered to maintain silence. When questioned as to what these demands were, Mr Labouchere replied that they wanted to have the Civil Service estimates postponed. Government would not agree to any compromise, and stuck to their post for thirty-four hours. The cloture was enforced, although only permitted by a narrow majority. The motion to grant a vote of £3,500,000 for the Service was submitted, and Mr Labouchere moved as an amendment that progress be reported, and was supported by Messrs Dillon, Sexton, and other Irish members. Dr Tanner, the member for Cork (County), (Mid.j) caused great commotion by 'remarking, “ I can see an hon. member before me drunk.” The Speaker ordered him to withdraw the remark, and Dr Tanner, in ordnr to temporise, addressed the Speaker, asking him “ Whom have I accused." The Speaker explained that the expression was offensive if applied to any member, and exceeded thn limit of Parliamentary debate. . Dr Tanner then yielded. At an early hour in the morning Mr Sexton warned the Government that a batch ot eloquent Parmdlites had arrived, and he entreated (he Government to benefit by the information. At half-past six Mr Leonard Courtenay, Chairman of Com mittees, who had relieved the Speaker some hours before, was replaced by Mr Cecil Raikes. At seven o’clock the lights were put out, and soon afterwards the House divided on the question to report progress, which was negatived by 141 to 67. At ten o’clock Sir J. E. Gorst relieved Mr Raikes. A detailed discussion on the Civil Service by Mr Labouchere and some Irish members followed, and the Parliamentary warfare continued, but the obstructionists, finding they were playing a losing game, at length yielded.