Democratic Sentinel, Volume 19, Number 26, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 5 July 1895 — A Ridiculous Custom. [ARTICLE]

A Ridiculous Custom.

But there is nothing more amusing, perhaps, in all the quaint and curious “customs” of the House of Commons than the strange ceremony which marks the termination of its every sitting. The moment the House is adjourned,stentorian-voiced messengers and policemen cry out in the lobbies and corridors: “Who goes home?” These mysterious words have sounded every night for centuries through the Palace of Westminster. The performance originated at a time when it was necessary for members to go home in parties for common protection against the footpads who infested the streets of London. But, though that danger has long since passed away, the cry of “ Who goes home?” is still hear! night after night, receiving no reply and ex pecting none.