d in their
various qualities to produce a _tour de force_. By sheer strength
of enthusiasm and an overflowing wealth of eloquence, Mr.
Gladstone literally conquered every physical weakness and secured
an effect electric in its influence even on seasoned "old hands."
Amidst high excitement and the sound of cheering that promised
never to die away the House gradually melted into the lobbies. Mr.
Gladstone, exhausted with his effort, chatted to Mr. Morley on the
treasury bench. Except for these two the government side was
deserted, and the conservatives had already disappeared. The
nationalists sat shoulder to shoulder, a solid phalanx. They eyed
the prime minister with eager intent, and as soon as the venerable
statesman rose to walk out of the House, they sprang to their feet
and rent the air with wild hurrahs.

No wonder if the talk downstairs at dinner among his colleagues that
night, all turned upon their chief, his art and power, his union of the
highest qualities of brain and heart with extraordinary practical
penetration, and close watchfulness of incident and trait and personality,
disclosed in many a racy aside and pungent sally. The orator was fatigued,
but full of keen enjoyment. This was one of the three or four occasions
when he was induced not to return to the House after dinner. It had always
been his habit in taking charge of bills to work the ship himself. No
wonder that he held to this habit in this case.

On another occasion ministers had taken ground that, as the debate went
on, everybody saw they could not hold. An official spokesman for the bill
had expressed an opinion, or intention, that, as very speedily appeared,
Irish opposition would not allow to be maintained. There was no great
substance in the point, but even a small dose of humiliation will make a
parliamentary dish as bitter to one side as it is savoury to the other.
The opposition grew more and more radiant, as it grew more certain that
the official spokesman (M180) must be thrown over. The discomfiture of the
ministerialists at the prospect of the public mortification of their
leaders was extreme in the same degree. "I suppose we must give it up,"
said Mr. Gladstone. This was clear; and when he rose, he was greeted with
mocking cheers from the enemy, though the enemy's chief men who had long
experience of his Protean resources were less confident. Beginning in a
tone of easy gravity