The House was cleared; members rushed in, and, indeed, had already begun to pass through the lobby; when suddenly there was a complete change of tactics; Mr.Marjoribanks, rushing to the Treasury Bench, called upon the Government to capitulate.
The fact got out; the Government were in a minority--their forces had not come in time, and the Tories would have beaten us if they had been allowed to go to a division.

It was one of the narrowest shaves--one of the most uncomfortable quarters of a minute--we have had in the House of Commons for many a long day.
[Sidenote: The fateful moment.] But half-past five comes at last; then the discussion on the Home Rule Bill has to come to an end, and the Speaker takes the chair.

Members think there is a look of unusual excitement on his face, that its air is angry; and the Unionists take comfort from the idea that this step is against his judgment.

But, then, it is a matter for the House itself and not for the decision of the chair, and so we go ahead.

Mr.Morley is put up by Mr.Gladstone to read the words of the resolution.