fact that occasionally the " Orders of the ties have, of course, long since ceased, but Day " contain a notice, such as the follow the nominal office has been retained. By ing, in the name of one of the Whips : accepting it a member who wishes to resign vacates his seat, and a writ for a new elec "To move "that MR.leave T. ELLIS. of absence for two tion is, in consequence, issued on the appli cation of the Whip of the party to which the months be granted to Mr. J. R. Flemming." retiring member belonged. The office is re Such motions are made by the Whips on signed as soon as the purpose in view is ac behalf of a follower who desires to absent complished. It is in the gift of the chancel himself from the House of Commons on the lor of the exchequer. It cannot be conferred ground of urgent business, ill-health, illness twice in one day, but there are two other of in his family or domestic affliction, and the fices of a similar nature — "Steward of the leave of absence applied for is always granted Manors of Hendrecl, Northstead and Hempby the House. This, however, is only done holme," and " Escheator of Munster "— at when the member concerned is serving on a the disposal of the chancellor of the ex committee. chequer in case he should receive more than A member of the House of Commons can one application on the same day. not, according to the ancient law of Parlia But there is nothing more amusing per ment, resign his seat. Once he is duly haps in all the quaint and curious customs of elected he must retain the trust confided in the House of Commons than the strange him by his constituents till the dissolution ceremony which marks the termination of of Parliament, unless he is removed by death ks every sitting. The moment the House or becomes a bankrupt or a lunatic, or is ex is adjourned, stentorian-voiced messengers pelled from the House, or accepts an office of and policemen cry out in the lobbies and cor honor or profit under the Crown. The lat ridors, " Who goes home? " These mys ter condition, however, affords a practical, terious words have sounded every night for though rather ludicrous, means of escape for centuries through the palace of Westminster. a member who desires to rid himself of his The custom dates from a time when it was representative and legislature responsibilities. necessary for members to go home in parties He accepts the office of " Steward of the accompanied by links-men for common pro Chiltern Hundreds." It seems that cen tection against the footpads who infested turies ago the Chiltern Hills — a portion of the streets of London. But though that the high lands of Buckinghamshire — being danger has long since passed away, the ques covered with timber, afforded protection to tion " Who goes home? " is still asked, night numerous banditti, and it was the duty of after night, during the session of Parliament. the Steward of the Chiltern Hundreds to No reply is given, and none is expected. protect the inhabitants of the neighboring MICHAEL MACUONAGH, districts from their depredations. The du in the Nineteenth Century.
