§ MR. FIRTHasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, Whether his attention has been called to the proposition of the Lord Mayor Elect to bring, on Monday next, a procession of camels, elephants, and other animals, past Charing Cross towards this House; whether, as Charing Cross is not on the route from the Guildhall to the Law Courts, there is any reason for this proceeding; and, whether precautions will be taken to secure the approaches to this House?
§ SIR WILLIAM HARCOURTI really know very little about what the nature of this procession or demonstration is to be, but I feel quite sure that it will be of an entirely pacific character. Why the Lord Mayor is going to Charing Cross, or whether he is to take camels or elephants with him, I do not know; but the hon. Member must be aware that the Roman Emperors in their triumphs were attended by such animals. All I can say is that, of course, these processions do cause a certain amount of inconvenience; but they also cause a good deal of amusement, and the police will take care to keep the traffic as open as possible in this case.