Next day news came in that Davitt had been arrested in Ireland.

Mr.Dillon, in the process of endeavouring to extract an explanation from the Government, was named and suspended.
When the Prime Minister after this rose to speak, Mr.Parnell moved: "That Mr.Gladstone be not heard." The Speaker, ruling that Mr.Gladstone was in possession of the House, refused to put the motion.

Mr.Parnell, insisting that his motion should be put, came into collision with the authority of the Chair and was formally "named." Mr.Gladstone then moved his suspension and a division was called--whereupon, under the rules which then existed, all members were bound to leave the Chamber.

On this occasion the Irish members remained seated, as a protest, and after the division the Speaker solemnly reported this breach of order to the House.

For their refusal to obey the Irish members present were suspended from the service of the House, and as a body they refused to leave unless removed by physical force.