Tile first business of the House of Commons after the
reading of the King's Speech was the question of appoint- ing a Chairman of Ways and Means and a Deputy- Chairman. Mr. Baldwin moved that Mr. James Hope be appointed Chairman and Captain Fitzroy Deputy- Chairman. In the absence of these officials, it is, of course, impossible for the Speaker to leave the Chair even to eat a meal, and Mr. Baldwin was only consulting the conveni- ence of the House in making his motion. Mr. MacDonald, while admitting the fairness and consideration with which Mr. Baldwin had presented his case, preferred that the matter should be adjourned. But all Mr. Baldwin's reasonableness did not prevent Mr. Jack Jones from accusing the Government of trying to appoint two gentlemen, whom he Called " Hope and Fear," just " to queer the pitch."
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