has become the order of the day with the Tories--instantly turned to
John with the observation that this was not the County Council;
whereupon John promptly retorted, "Nor are you on Newmarket Heath." At
last, after the waste of these four mortal hours, the closure was moved,
was resisted by the majority of the Tory party, but, at the same time,
was so necessary and proper, that several Tories voted in its favour,
and some disgusted Unionists actually left the House.

[Sidenote: A criminal combination.]

But even worse was still behind. Mr. Bowles--a new and clever Tory
member--was anxious to raise the whole question of Egyptian policy on a
small vote for meeting the expense of building a new consular house at
Cairo. Thereupon, Mr. Mellor--as he was plainly bound to do--declared
that a discussion of the entire Egyptian policy would not be in order on
such a vote. Pale, excited, looking his most evil self, Mr. Chamberlain
got up to base an attack on Mr. Mellor for this judgment. There was a
delighted howl from the young Tory bloods who had been obstructing so
shamelessly throughout the evening. Mr. Chamberlain's example was
followed by Mr. Balfour, by Sir John Gorst--in short, the whole Tory and
Unionist pack were in full cry after the Chairman. The inner meaning of
all this, was the desire to discredit the new Chairman, and intimidate
him, lest he should show a bold front against the shameless obstruction
on which the Tories had resolved. Mr. Sexton put this point neatly. In
view, he said, of the combined attempt and evident combination to
intimidate and embarrass the Chair--but he could go no further: for at
once there was a fierce hurricane of howls, "Withdraw! Withdraw!" and
"Shame! Shame!" from the Tories and renegades, which drowned every
voice. Tory after Tory got up; shouts deafening, passionate, ferocious,
made everything inaudible; Mr. Chamberlain, paler even than usual,