A supplemental estimate means simply a smaller sum by which the original estimate has been exceeded.

It ought to have been a matter of course that this supplementary estimate should have been agreed to by the Tories, seeing that it was money necessary to carry out the programme passed by their own friends in the previous administration.

But the Tories were in no humour to listen to such trifles as these, and carried on lengthy discussions.

Mr.Morley, having no responsibility for the policy which rendered such a vote necessary, was away in his room, attending to the duties of his laborious department.

Mr.T.W.Russell assumed to be in a great pucker over this absence, and actually tried to stop the proceedings until Mr.Morley came back.
[Sidenote: While a wronged nation waits.] Mr.Morley did appear in due course, and then there was an attempt to assail him for his absence.