Page:The life and letters of Sir John Henniker Heaton bt. (IA lifelettersofsi00port).pdf/49

 the Opposition of the member voting. The striking-out of equal values from opposed quantities may be convenient in arithmetical or algebraic calculations; but the zealous Whip loves to march his entire force on to the ground; and is sometimes inexorable.

Sir Richard Webster—afterwards Lord Alverstone—used to tell a story of a pair having been effected by the Whips on a critical occasion. For conscience' sake—after the division—Whip No. 1 said to Whip No. 2:

"I think I ought in justice to explain that my Member broke his leg this afternoon and so could not attend."

"Infamous" said No. 2. "I will forgive you, but only because my man whom I paired with your man is dead."

A description of life in the House of Commons written by H. H. may be included here:

"The House of Commons is at once the easiest and most difficult assembly in the world to understand and in which to transact business.

"The ambitious young member, consumed with burning zeal to distinguish himself, will probably commit a dozen breaches of order within the first month. He will walk to his seat while a member two benches above him is speaking, and interpose his presence between the orator and the Speaker. This is a gross breach of order, and the older members will shout indignantly their disapproval, and call 'order,' 'order.' He will ask his question from one of the seats on the cross benches, technically 'outside the bar.' This is another gross breach of order at which his fellow-members will shout disapproval; and after the bewildered man is at last made to understand, he comes in, and a friendly M.P. resigns a temporary