of the Commons. He had introduced such a measure as he no doubt, after grave consultation with his
- [Footnote: The Speaker: The hon. member declines to withdraw, and I must
submit his conduct to the judgment of the House.
"Mr. Plimsoll, standing in the centre of the House, said he would submit to the judgment of the House. Once more approaching the table, holding a paper in his hand, said, 'This, sir, is my protest,' and was proceeding to address the House, but in obedience to loud cries of 'Order!' he took his seat on the front bench below the gallery.
"Mr. Disraeli rose and said that the conduct of the hon. member was almost unparalleled.
"Mr. Plimsoll, jumping up and interrupting: 'And so is that of the Government'—(tremendous uproar).
"Mr. Disraeli, continuing, said: I feel that it is my duty, as far as I can, to uphold the dignity and honour of the House; for the conduct of the hon. member has been not only violent, but so offensive, that it is impossible for the House to pass it over. As the hon. member has declined to withdraw the word used, it is my duty to move that he be reprimanded by the Speaker for his disorderly and violent conduct—(loud cheers).
"The Speaker said that according to the practice of the House the hon. member for Derby would answer in his place, and then withdraw.
"Mr. Plimsoll retired to the bar, and as he reached it, turned round apparently with the intention of saying something, but the members there prevailed on him to pass out, and as he did so, he exclaimed: 'You do not know the men as well as I do. This will cost the lives of thousands.' The hon. member then left the House.
"The Marquis of Hartington rose and was about to address the House, but was informed by the Speaker that the motion before the House was, that the hon. member for Derby be reprimanded.
"The Marquis of Hartington said he need hardly state that he should support the motion—(cheers). It was evident that the hon. member was labouring under great excitement, but he was not justified in using the language he had employed. No doubt, when he had a little time for reflection, he would see his conduct in a different light—(cheers).
"Mr. Sullivan said the scene they had witnessed was without precedent in the House, but he appealed to the House to be indulgent to the hon. member. He was aware that the hon. member was extremely ill, and his state of mental excitement arose from his overstrained feelings. Without seeking to justify the transgression of the hon. member, he wished the House would allow him to have a week's rest, by which time he would be in a position to apologise for his misconduct. He (Mr. Sullivan) held in his hands the documents which had wrought the hon. member up to his present state of excitement, and for some time past his friends had been caused the most serious uneasiness]*
