On Wednesday, however, the Speaker found it impossible to make
a House, though several attempts were made ; and at one time, at least eighty Members were in the precincts of the House, who kept away instead of helping to form it. The truth is, that a holiday about the end of May or beginning of June is so popular, that whatever good resolutions Sir Wilfrid Lawson may induce the House of Commons to form, are sure not to be kept when once the division in which the names of the virtuous are advertised to the public, has been properly registered. It is a pity that a better excuse cannot be found for a summer holiday than a great race, for the House will take its holiday ; and as example is more effectual than precept, it would be well if the example of the House did not go to fortify the gamblers whom its statutes condemn, in a practice which is growing rapidly with the poor, though it is perhaps in less favour than it used to be with Members of the Legislature. Why not adjourn over Eton Montem, instead of the Derby ?
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