It is amusing, perhaps, to you who can read this description as part of an after-dinner's amusement, but what is one to think of a Parliamentary institution that can be so flouted, and nullified by mere beef-headed dulness?
This is a question to make any one pause who has faith in Parliamentary institutions.
[Sidenote: Mr.Balfour keeps away.] During all these performances, Mr.Balfour keeps steadily away from the House.

He never was a good attendant, even in his best of days, and now that he is relieved of responsibility, he naturally seeks to take advantage of it.

But he doesn't take so much advantage as one would expect.

He who used to be so indolent, has developed a feverish activity.

He seems during some portions of every sitting to be ready to rise to his feet at the smallest provocation, and to interfere in the smallest matter of detail.