Social Silhouettes (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1906 edition. Excerpt: ...to denounce and decry. But, after all, he fared no worse than the Party Hack on the Tory side, who in 1867 had been forced to embrace a democratic extension of the suffrage because Lord Derby and Mr. Disraeli had resolved to strengthen their precarious hold on office by "Dishing the Whigs." In Parliamentary life the way of the transgressor is hard, but it is sometimes glorious. Mr. Gladstone, when a young Tory Minister, resigned office sooner than be party to an ecclesiastical policy which he had denounced. Mr. Bright twice over broke from his party in order to defy the national passion for unrighteous war. Mr. Chamberlain risked all to defeat Home Rule; Mr. Cowen and Mr. Forster, to defy the Caucus. The way of the Party Hack is not glorious, but neither is it hard. It is comfortable and easygoing; and, though ignominious, it is safe. CHAPTER XXIV THE OFFICIAL M.P. Our collection of Parliamentary Silhouettes would be glaringly incomplete if we were to omit the Official M.P. This type is quite distinct. Many are called to Parliamentary life, but few chosen for office. Most M.P.'s never think of it. Of course the notion of attaining it is one among the many different motives which impel men to enter the House of Commons; but it is the motive of comparatively few, and even of those few the majority are foredoomed to disappointment. It is one of the ironies of Parliamentary life that many men, apparently well qualified for the function of governance, spend all their days in irresponsibility and free-lanceship; whereas others, even conspicuously deficient in resource, initiative, and decision, are forced almost against their will into the highest posts of administration. "Nature intended me for a grazier," said Lord Althorp, who steered the...