the time of Pitt
and Fox the evil reached its climax. The motion for the Speaker leaving
the chair on Fox's India Bill was put to the vote at half-past four in
the morning. During the Westminster scrutiny the House sometimes sat
till six a.m. Pitt, speaking on the slave-trade, introduced his
beautiful quotation relative to the sun as it was then just bursting on
his audience. Sir Samuel Romilly tells us that he would not unfrequently
go to bed at his usual time, and rising next morning somewhat earlier
than usual would go down to be present at the division. I think it was
during the Reform debates that an hon. M.P., having been present at the
discussion the previous night, and being desirous to secure a good place
the next evening, went down to the House early in the morning for that
special purpose, and found the debate, at the commencement of which he
had been present, and which he thought had long been over, proceeding
hotly and furiously. In the last session of parliament the house sinned
greatly in this respect. I am told this state of things is for the
advantage of the lawyers, who otherwise would not be able to attend in
the House at all; but it may be questioned whether this is such a benefit
as some suppose, and certainly the midnight hour, especially after mind
and body have alike been jaded by the strain of a long debate, is not the
best for passing measures of a legislative character; and yet it is in
the small hours, when members are weary, or, we fear, in some cases
slightly vinous, or indifferent and apathetic, that most of the real
business of the nation is performed. Now against this bad habit for many
years Mr. Brotherton waged an incessant but unsuccessful war. As soon as
ever midnight arrived the hon. gentleman was on his legs, warning
honourable members of its arrival, and of the injury which late hours
must necessarily occasion to their own health, and to the satisfactory
progress of public business. In his attempts Mr. Brotherton then was
aiming as much at the good of the nation as well as the advantage of the
members of the House. Many were the scenes occasioned by Mr.
Brotherton's importunity. Mr. Grant says, "I have seen one look him most
imploringly in the face, and heard him say, in tones and with a manner as
coaxing as if the party had been wooing his mistress, 'Do not just yet,
Mr. Brotherton; wait one half hour until this business be disposed of.'
I have seen a second seize him