The fall of the guillotine is always certain to be accompanied by a scene of some excitement and violence.

The violence has been diminishing steadily, as the different compartments have succeeded each other; and though there were some ugly rumours, the general expectation was that things would not be so very bad.

And, indeed, without any desire to make party or personal capital, I may state that undoubtedly they would not have been so bad if Mr.Chamberlain had not intervened at the last moment.

Opinion is unanimous that up to the time he spoke the feeling in the House was, though boisterous, rather good humoured.

There was a conflict of opinion, there were some shouts, there was that general din in the air which always marks the inspiration of a momentous event, but there was no ill-temper.