Phineas Redux · Chapter
The Address explained
The chapter describes the opening of Parliament and the Queen's Speech, which includes a paragraph about reviewing the connection between Church and State, echoing Mr.
What happens
The chapter describes the opening of Parliament and the Queen's Speech, which includes a paragraph about reviewing the connection between Church and State, echoing Mr. Daubeny's earlier words. The Address is moved and seconded by two young members, and the debate begins. Mr. Gresham moves an amendment, attacking Mr. Daubeny's duplicity and suddenness. The Liberal party is thrown into consternation, with various figures like Mr. Ratler, Mr. Bonteen, and Barrington Erle debating how to respond to the unexpected disestablishment proposal from the Conservative leader.
Themes in this chapter
Political Ambition and Compromise
Mr. Daubeny's sudden proposal to disestablish the Church is seen as a cynical move for power, shocking both parties and forcing them to reconsider their positions.
Scandal and Public Opinion
The unexpectedness of Daubeny's proposal from a Conservative leader creates a scandal, with the press and politicians debating the propriety and timing of the measure.
Characters to notice
- Mr. Daubeny
Sits mute during the reading of the Speech and the moving of the Address; later rises to defend himself with badinage, waving to his Conservative supporters.
- Mr. Gresham
Leader of the Liberal party; moves an amendment to the Address, expressing anger at Daubeny's duplicity and using the quotation 'Quod minime reris—Graiâ pandetur ab urbe'.
- Barrington Erle
Thinks the whole Liberal party should oppose the measure; desires a chivalric defence of the Church, believing in a twenty-year lifespan for the establishment.
- Mr. Bonteen
Whispers to Laurence Fitzgibbon about being 'less in the abstract, more in the concrete'; disgusted with the situation and blames lack of party zeal in Mr. Gresham.
- Laurence Fitzgibbon
Has Bonteen's words whispered to him and does not understand them until it is explained that his friend meant 'men, not measures'.
- Lord Cantrip
Mr. Gresham's dearly-beloved political friend; Gresham discusses his anger with him before the speech.
- Colonel Mowbray Dick
The Member for West Bustard who seconded the Address; described as a better fellow and popular officer, but not the originator of the advanced opinions he voiced.
Key passages
“If we were all a little less in the abstract, and a little more in the concrete, it would be better for us.”
If we focused more on practical matters rather than theoretical ideas, things would improve.
Mr. Bonteen whispers this to Laurence Fitzgibbon, criticizing the lack of concrete party action.
“Quod minime reris—Graiâ pandetur ab urbe.”
What you least expect will come from a Greek city.
Mr. Gresham uses this Latin quotation to mock Daubeny's unexpected proposal, implying it comes from an unlikely source.