October 21, 1903 (9th Parliament, 3rd Session)

My hon. friend (Mr. Borden, Halifax) has brought up a motion which, I think, is very small in itself and he has spoken on it in a most unfortunate manner and in a manner which I think is unworthy of himself. The members of this House have to submit to some inconveniences. It is a pity but I do not see that this condition can be remedied. It is unfortunate that every member has not room enough in which to transact his business. It is to be regretted that the leader of the opposition has very small quarters. I can sympathize with my hon. friend in this respect. I occupied those quarters before he did but I never complained that they were too small. These rooms were occupied at one time by a man who is at least the equal of my hon. friend or of any of us-Mr. Blake, and Mr. Blake never made the smallest complaint about them. I know the quarters are very small and I know that they are inconvenient because I occupied them for a very long time. But, I occupy quarters today that are not very much larger in space. However, I think there are some things that could receive the attention of the House rather than such matters as these. Have an investigation. It is a small proposition on the part of my hon. friend to call upon the government to have an investigation as to how some of the rooms downstairs are occupied.