"The lilies of the field, they toil not, neither do
they spin," and the Peers obviously think their function in life is that of lilies in the field. Earl Cowper on Tuesday complained that all the labour of committees on private business fell upon a very few Lords, the majority being too idle to attend, and proposed a resolution compelling every Peer to serve once in a session. Lord Redesdale, chairman of committees, admitted that it was some- times difficult to make a committee, but objected to compulsion, as Peers compelled to attend were worse than useless. The motion therefore dropped, but the Peers will do well to take the hint. Lilies are pretty to look at, but one does not ask them to do anything, and if the Lords will neglect the duties for which they are so enormously paid in power, station, and social immunities, Englishmen may inquire whether the ornamental part of their functions could not be performed outside. Do they want the country to insist on Life Peers ?
Previous page
