§ THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY (Mr. A. J. BALFOUR,) Manchester, E.I gave notice on Tuesday last that I would to day ask the House to pass a vote of thanks to their late Clerk, Sir Reginald Palgrave. I need not, I am sure, insist at any length upon the propriety of that course, which I am certain meets the wishes of every single gentleman I am addressing. Sir Reginald Palgrave was not only fitted for his office by great knowledge of Parliamentary tradition and Parliamentary learning; he not only had that essential requisite for a Clerk of this House, a great knowledge of the long history and tradition which lies behind us, but he had, what is perhaps even more important in one in his place, that invariable courtesy which made him the adviser to whom all, whatever their opinions, whatever their standing in the House, could apply, with the certainty that he would give them not only a courteous answer, but all the assistance which his great knowledge enabled him to give. Under these circumstances I shall only be giving expression to the general view when I ask the House to concur in the following resolution—
That Mr. Speaker be requested to convey to Sir Reginald Francis Douce Palgrave, K.C.B., on his retirement from the office of Clerk of the House, the assurance of its sincere appreciation of the valuable aid it has derived from his intimate acquaintance with the law and custom of Parliament, acquired during upwards of forty-six years of devoted service in different offices, of which thirty-one have been passed at the Table of the House, where his accurate knowledge and ready advice have rendered constant assistance to the House and its Members in the conduct of its ever-increasing business.
§ SIR H. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN (Stirling Burghs)I do not know that this motion requires anything in the way of seconding, but I am sure I speak the opinion of all on this side of the House in 295 saying that we entirely concur with the right hon. Gentleman in the appreciation which he has in such felicitous terms expressed of the services of Sir Reginald Palgrave, and that we shall all unite heartily in this public recognition of his services.
§ Resolved, nemine contradicente, That Mr. Speaker be requested to convey to Sir Reginald Francis Douce Palgrave, K.C.B., on his retirement from the office of Clerk of this House, the assurance of its sincere appreciation of the valuable aid it has derived from his intimate acquaintance with the law and custom of Parliament, acquired during upwards of forty-six years of devoted service in different offices, of which thirty-one have been passed at the Table, where his accurate knowledge and ready advice have rendered constant assistance to the House and its Members in the conduct of its ever-increasing business.—(Mr. A. J. Balfour.)