One hundred years ago
The motion on Tuesday for adjourn- ing over the Derby Day was moved by Sir Heron Maxwell, in a very dull speech, in which, of course, he appealed to the authority of Lord Palmerston and his regard for the Derby; and was seconded by Mr Heneage, who relied simply on the love of holidays, and ask- ed for a whole holiday, just as school- boys ask for the same indulgence. Sir Wilfrid Lawson resisted the motion, on the very sound principle that the majori- ty who want to take a holiday should have some respect for the more hard- working minority who do not. 'A great public entertainment, under the auspices of the Blue Ribbon Army, would win his hearty approval; but if any one were to propose the adjournment of the House in connection with that entertainment, he should say, "No — let us respect the feelings of the drunkards." ' Last year, the House did not adjourn over the Der- by Day, and no one was any the worse for it; and legislative lassitude could cer- tainly not be pleaded this year, since they had only just returned to their labours from their holiday. Finally, there was an ecclesiastical measure down for Wednesday, which he was sure Mr Beresford-Hope would much rather discuss than go to the Grand Stand at Epsom.
Spectator, 26 May 1883
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