The management of the cheering in. the Chamber forms a sort of science. The Parliamentary cheer consists of the words, hear, hear,"—no applause, that is by clapping of hands, is allowed. The cheer }from_n single member is not infrequent, but has not significance unless it comes from some leading perser It is the cheering in chorus, like one mind and one voice from a number of persons, that forms the demonstration. 'This is' often managed by a tacit concensus, but. more often arises from an impulse' stirring a body of men all at the same moment from some words that have been uttered. The tone of the cheering then varies according to the temper of those who cheer, exactly unison with their mood and sentiment at the moment. First, there is the generous, full-voiced cheer of genuine approval or satisfaction, hearty, resounding, full of encouragement, rising up to the roof of the Chamber and awakening the echoes, There is next the low subdued cheer, gradually spreading along the green benches, indicating the deep-seated agreement which does not seck vociferous or hilarious expression; this is used either on solemn occasions, or at moments of pathos, or in acknowledgement of some concession or confession on the part of an opponent. Then there is the ironical cheering; which cannot be described but must be heard in order to be appreciated; the tone of sarcasm ix always unmistakeable; generally it is the cruel greeting given to an argument, or a statement by an opponent, for the formal denying of which there may not be an opportunity. So far, it is bitterly hostile; but sometimes good humoured enough, when plied to an opponent who has' wnwittingly uttered something that damages his own case. 4x an" intensification, there is the sarcastic cheer which still sharper and more incisive: this again must be heard to be realised, it cannot be described. In days when the younger Conservatives thought that Mr. Gladstone tried to overbear them, by his superior position and experience, in furtherance of a policy which they hated, they used to apply this sort of cheering, and it must have had a disconcerting elect. Supplementary to cheering, the ter. Th often used for the same purposes as those to which ironical cheer ing is applicable. A statement made by nent with pompous solemnity is often disconcerted by these simple means. Apart from this, the House is always in a merry mood; and a little laughter enlivens the Assembly if the debate is dull, or relaxes the strain of attention if there be excitement. The slightest slip of the tongue on the part of any speaker any moment is the signal for merriment.
But whenever the debate approaches 1 crisis, or a definitely momentous decision, all the members without exception feel the most acute interest. This naturally leads scenes, some of which are grand and honourable—while some again are not er ditable to those concerned, being turbulent or flagrantly obstructive, or even tending to violence.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.