A SPECTATOR'S NOTEBOOK M R. SIDNEY STANLEY has undoubtedly been one
of the sights of London.. I say " has been " because he has now left the witness-stand after more than fifteen hours' performance there ; he may, of course, yet be recalled. Performance is the word, and it has been a spectacular performance. Mr. Stanley's counsel has protested, not without justice, at the freedom with which some papers have dis- cussed his client while the hearing is still in progress. I shall give him no cause for complaint. On many questions that arise regarding Mr. Stanley I reserve all comment. But on his unfaltering ability and skill in duels with cross-examiners of the calibre of the Attorney- General there can be no manner of question. "He was always level with Sir Hartley, and sometimes a little bit ahead" an observer present throughout the hearing said to me. From my own observa- tion of Mr. Stanley's ordeal—for to face such antagonists for fifteen hours is an ordeal few witnesses have ever had to undergo—I see no reason to challenge that opinion. It is fascinating to watch and hear Mr. Stanley. His memory of intricate transactions two or three years old is astonishing. His diversity of voice, manner and gesture is a perpetual entertainment. " Nothing of the sort " is one frequent equivalent for " No." " I wouldn't say that," is another, rather more guarded. But in fact to get Mr. Stanley to say anything as terse as either " No " or " Yes " is something that even Mr. Justice Lynskey and Mr. Russell Vick, coming to the assistance of a frus- trated counsel, find beyond them. Now and then—as when he begins an answer with an exclamatory " My God," Mr. Stanley is called to order. Occasionally when he thinks a question to him might be better put, he remarks considerately to opposing counsel, " May 1 help you ? " And through it all Mr. Stanley drinks and drinks glass after glass of cold water, and sips from another glass of some- thing coloured. And through it all he wipes and wipes the palms of his hands with his handkerchief. No other evidences of strain escape him.
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