ESSENCE OF PARLIAMENT.

EXTRACTED FROM THE DIARY OF TOBY, M.P.

[Illustration: Seymour-Keay.]

_House of Commons, Monday. March 28._--Strange sight witnessed in House
to-night. Subject of Debate, Indian Council Bill; Benches nearly full. Pup
and dog, I've known the House for nineteen years, and never before saw the
like. Explanation not found in fact of CURZON making his maiden speech as
Minister in charge of Bill, though that had some influence at outset. Able
speech it proved, our newest Minister having the great gift of lucidity. It
was later than that when House filled, nearly two hours later, for in
meantime SCHWANN had delivered Address as long as the Ganges, and MACLEAN
(who was waiting his turn to speak) says, nearly as muddy.

Curious how India seems to affect eminent orators, making them for the time
pointless, dull, and above all, verbose. Probably no subject other than
India could unite such galaxy of born orators and debaters. SWIFT MACNEILL,
RICHARD TEMPLE, SAMUEL SMITH, OCTAVIUS MORGAN, JULIUS 'ANNIBAL PICTON and
SEYMOUR-KEAY--one followed the other as in a necklet of diamonds gem
succeeds gem, till the wearied eyesight can scarce decide which is the more
brilliant. SEYMOUR-KEAY was, indeed, too much for the SPEAKER, who thrice
called him to order, the last time with stern voice and threatening brow
that made SEYMOUR tremble from the altitude of his boot-heels.

It was none of these who filled the House with Members listening intently
to a speech on internal affairs of India, It was Mr. G. who performed the
miracle. No one expected to find him in this galley; being there, the banks
were rapidly crowded with a throng lost in admiration of his strong, swift,