CHAPTER III.

Affairs of Ireland. Registration of Voters-Lord Stanley revives his mea-

sure of 1840 for Reform of Registration-Motion for leave to bring in

the Bill-Speeches of Lord Stanley and Lord Morpeth-Mr. O'Connell

moves adjournment-It is negatived by 261 to 71-Lord Morpeth intro-

duces a Bill on the same subject-Its leading provisions-Definition

and extension of the elective Franchise proposed by it-Feeling of

different parties in the House on the occasion-Speech of Lord Howick

-Debate on second reading of Lord Morpeth's Bill-Severe denunci-

ation of the ministerial tactics by Lord Stanley-Mr. C. Wood supports

the Bill-Debate continued for four successive nights-Speeches of Sir

W. Follett and Mr. C. Buller-Allusion of the latter to our Foreign

Relations-View of the Bill taken by Mr. Slaney-Exposition by Sir J.

Graham of the progress of ministerial concessions to the Repeal party

-Speeches of Mr. O'Connell, Sir R. Peel, and Lord J. Russell-

Second Reading carried by a majority of 5-Postponement of Com-

mittee on the Bill-Severe remarks thereon by Lord Stanley-Language

of Mr. O'Connell, and of the Irish Press, on the Registration question

-Lord Stanley's Bill postponed-Alteration in the ministerial Bill

announced by Lord Morpeth-House goes into Committee-Lord

Howick moves an amendment on the first clause-It is opposed by

Lord Morpeth-Speeches of Mr. C. Wood, Lord Stanley, Mr. O'Con-

nell, Lord John Russell, and Sir R. Peel-Amendment carried by 291

to 270-Adjournment of the House-Statement of Lord John Russell

on 28th April-He acquiesces in Lord Howick's Amendment-State-

ment of Lord Howick-Debate thereupon-Altercation of Mr. Ward

and Mr. Hume-Various divisions on amendments and other motions-

Curious confusion of the debate, terminating in a majority against the

Government of 11-Lord John Russell throws up the Bill-Remarks of

Sir R. Peel-Reflections on the effect of the preceding transactions upon

the character and prospects of the Government
[37

CHAPTER IV.

Jews' Civil Disabilities removal Bill-Opposed on second reading by Sir

R. Inglis-Supported by Lord John Russell-Carried by majority of

113. Speech of Mr. Gladstone against the third reading-Answer of

Mr. Macaulay-Bill passed by 108 to 31. In the House of Lords it is

opposed by the Bishops of London and Llandaff, and other Peers; sup-

ported by the Bishop of St. David's, Marquess of Bute, and Earl of

Wicklow-It is rejected by a majority of 34. Church of Scotland--

Non-intrusion question-Subject introduced in the House of Lords by

Lord Dalhousie-Speech of Lord Aberdeen-The Duke of Argyll takes

up the question-Object of the Bill introduced by him-His Speech, and

Debate on first reading-Meeting of the General Assembly of the Scotch

Church-Dr. Chalmers moves the deposition of the seven Ministers of

the Strathbogie Presbytery-Account of their case-Dr. Cooke opposes

him-It is carried by a large majority-The deposed Ministers petition

the House of Lords-Lord Aberdeen presents Petition-Speech of Lord

Melbourne, who declines to interfere-Expostulation of Lord Brougham

with the Government on their conduct-Public Meetings in Scotland to

express sympathy with the deposed Ministers-Proceedings of the Non-

intrusion party-Speech of a Delegate at Belfast. Seminary of St. Sul-

pice, in Lower Canada-Ordinance of Lord Sydenham inculpated in

House of Lords by Bishop of Exeter-He accuses the Government of

favouring the Church of Rome-Speech of Lord Melbourne-The Duke

of Wellington objects to the Ordinance-The Bishop of Exeter moves

an Address to the Crown-He is answered by Lords Normanby and

Ripon The Duke of Wellington retracts his objection to the Ordinance

-The Motion withdrawn. College of Maynooth-Mr. Colquhoun moves

for leave to bring in a Bill to repeal the Laws connecting it with the

State-He animadverts on the Doctrines taught at the College, and

their effect on the character of the Priesthood-Speeches of Lord Mor-

peth and Sir R. Inglis-Mr. O'Connell vindicates the College and his

Church-Bill read a first time, but not proceeded with. Church-rates

-Mr. Easthope brings before the House the case of Mr. Baines-His

Resolution negatived by a majority of 5-He introduces a Bill to abo-

lish Church-rates-It is read a first time, but goes no further. Public

Education-Motion of Mr. Ewart for appointment of Minister of Edu-

tion-It is opposed by the Government, and withdrawn-Sir Robert

Peel vindicates his own efforts to promote Scientific Instruction. Law

Reform-Punishment of Death-Bills of Mr. F. Kelly and Lord John

Russell-Mr. Kelly's Bill mutilated in Committee-He abandons the

measure-The Government carry their Bill-Effect of the new Act.

Chancery Reform-Bills of Attorney-General and of Sir E. Sugden-

Appointment of two Judges in Equity opposed by the latter-Bill passes

through Committee, but finally abandoned by the Government. Ser-

jeant Talfourd's Copyright Bill rejected

[64

CHAPTER V.

Finance Mr. Baring's Financial Statement-Development of his Plans

for the Year-Speeches of Mr. Goulburn, and of Mr. Hume and other

Liberal Members-Remarks of Mr. Christopher and Viscount Sandon

on the threatened change in the Corn-laws-Lord John Russell an-

nounces his intention to propose a moderate fixed duty-Speech of Sir

Robert Peel, of Viscount Howick, and Mr. Labouchere-Preparations

on both sides for the approaching contest-Proceedings of Associations

and Public Meetings-Anti-Corn-law Movements-Union of interests

against the Government measure-Debate in the House of Lords on

the Corn-laws-The Duke of Buckingham quotes a Speech of Viscount

Melbourne's against him-Viscount Melbourne vindicates his own con-

sistency-Speeches of the Earls Ripon and Winchilsea-Viscount San-

don gives notice of a resolution with respect to the proposed change

in the Sugar-duties - Counter-resolution announced by Lord John

Russell-Notice on the same subject by Mr. O'Connell-Debate on the

Sugar-duties-Important petitions presented on both sides-Able in-

troductory Speech of Lord John Russell.-Viscount Sandon moves

his Resolution-Debate lasts from 7th May to 18th.-Mr. Hand ey

and other leading agricultural Members declare against the Minis-

terial plans-Dr. Lushington opposes the Budget on anti-slavery

grounds-Mr. Grote's answer to this argument Summary of the

Speeches of Lord Stanley, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Sir Robert

Peel, and Viscount Palmerston - Viscount Sandon's Resolution is

carried by a majority of 36-Public excitement consequent on defeat of

Ministers-The Chancellor of the Exchequer gives notice of moving

"the usual Sugar-duties." Severe Remarks of the Earl of Darlington

on the tenacity of the Government-Preparations for a General Election

-Sir Robert Peel gives notice of a Resolution affirming want of Con-

fidence in the Government-Lord John Russell throws up the Poor-law

Act Amendment Bill-The Chancellor of the Exchequer moves the

usual Annual Sugar Duties-He is seconded by Sir Robert Peel-

Speeches of Sir de Lacy Evans, Mr. Wakley, and Lord John Russell-

-Discussions on the Corn-laws in the House of Lords-Progress of

Agitation, and state of public Opinion

[90

CHAPTER VI.

Debate on Sir R. Peel's Resolution of Want of Confidence in the Go-

vernment - His Speech in introducing it-Citation of historical Prece-

dents-Distinction drawn between the present case and that of Mr. Pitt,

in 1784-Speeches of Mr. Christopher, Sir James Graham, Sir William

Follett, Mr. Serjeant Jackson, and Lord Stanley, in support of the Re-

solution Speeches of Lord Worsley, Sir J. Hobhouse, Mr. Macaulay,

Dr. Lushington, Mr. Handley, Mr. O'Connell, Viscount Morpeth, and

Lord John Russell, in defence of the Government-Division and Ma-

jority of one in favour of the Motion-Lord John Russell states the

course determined on by the Ministers-He declares their intention to

dissolve Parliament at once, without a discussion on the Corn Laws-

His proposal respecting the Estimates-Speech of Sir R. Peel-He de-

mands a pledge that the new Parliament shall be convoked at the earliest

period-Lord John Russell undertakes to this effect-Speeches of Mr.

Wakley, Mr. Villiers, Mr. Labouchere, the Chancellor of the Exchequer,

Mr. Herries, and Mr. Goulburn-The Estimates are voted without op-

position Subsequent proceedings in the House of Commons-Prepa-

rations for the Elections-A large number of bills in progress are

abandoned some others carried-Administration of justice in Chancery

Bill-Sir E. Sugden proposes to postpone its operation till the 10th of

October-Object of this Motion-Lord John Russell strongly opposes

it- It is supported by Sir Robert Peel, and carried by a majority of 18

-Lord John Russell throws up the Bill-Remarks of Sir D. Evans on

the conduct of the Opposition-Speech of Lord Stanley-Observations

of Sir R. Peel on the transaction-Parliament prorogued by the Queen

in person, on the 22nd of June-Address of the Speaker to Her Ma-

jesty The Queen's Speech-Proclamation issued for the Dissolution of

Parliament-Review of the Session-General Remarks
[116

CHAPTER VII.

State of parties at the period of the dissolution of Parliament-Reasons

for the decline and fall of the Whig Administration-The Whigs appeal

to the country as Anti-Monopolists-Election of Members for the City

of London-Conduct of the Ministry with regard to their Equity Courts'

Bill, and the appointment of the Attorney-General Lord Chancellor of Ire-

land-Elections for Northumberland and the West Riding of Yorkshire

-Defeats of Viscount Howick and Viscount Morpeth-Mr. O'Connell

defeated at Dublin, and Sir De Lacy Evans at Westminster-Abstract

and Analysis of Election Returns-Assembling of Parliament-The

Royal Speech-Earl Spencer moves the Address in the House of Lords

-The Marquess of Clanricarde seconds it-The Earl of Ripon moves an

Amendment of want of confidence in the Government-Speeches of

Lord Fitzwilliam, Lord Lyttleton and Viscount Melbourne-The Duke

of Wellington supports the Amendment, and censures the use made of

the Queen's name in the Royal Speech-Viscount Melbourne explains-

Speeches of the Duke of Richmond, the Marquess of Landsdowne, and

the Marquess of Northampton-Lord Brougham declares that he shall

vote in favour of the Address, but attacks the conduct of Ministers-

Division on the question of the Address, and defeat of Ministers

[143

CHAPTER VIII.

Meeting of the New House of Commons-Election of Speaker-Mr. Shaw

Lefevre is proposed by Lord Worsley, seconded by Mr. E. Buller-Sir

Robert Peel declares his concurrence, and the Motion is carried without

a division-The Speaker returns thanks Remarks of Lord John

Russell, and Reference made by him to the preceding Speaker-Debate

in the House of Commons on the Queen's Speech-The Address is

moved by Mr. Mark Phillips, seconded by Mr. John Dundas-Mr. J.

S. Wortley moves an Amendment, negativing the Confidence of the

House in the Government-It is seconded by Lord Bruce-The Debate

is continued for four nights-Summary of the Arguments of the various

Speakers on both sides-Important Speeches of Sir Robert Peel and

Lord John Russell-Division, and Majority of 91 against the Govern.

ment-Mr. S. Crawford moves another Amendment-It leads to a Di-

vision of the Liberal Members: it is rejected by a large Majority-

Answer of her Majesty to the Address, as amended-The Ministry de-

termine to resign Office-Their retirement is announced by Viscount

Melbourne in the House of Peers, and by Lord John Russell in the

House of Commons-The latter vindicates the course pursued by the

Government-He deprecates personal Animosity between Opponents-

Speech of Lord Stanley-He disclaims feelings of Enmity towards Lord

John Russell-His remarks on the Language of the Royal Speech-

Lord John Russell explains-Motions for New Writs on acceptance of

Office by the New Ministers-The House adjourns for the Elections

Complete List of Sir Robert Peel's Administration

[170

-

CHAPTER IX.

Re-election of Members of the Government-The House of Commons

meets again on the 16th September-Statement of Sir Robert Peel as

to his intended course of proceeding-He announces the postponement

of his financial measures till the next Session-Speech of Lord John

Russell-He objects to the delay-He states at length his view of the

state of public affairs-He is answered by Sir Robert Peel-Speech of

Viscount Palmerston-He deprecates the postponement of remedial

measures. Speeches of Mr. Villiers, Mr. Ward, Mr. Cobden, Viscount

Sandon, Mr. Hawes, Mr. Litton, and other Members-Mr. Fielden

moves that no Supplies be granted until after an enquiry into the dis-

tress of the country-His Motion is negatved by a large majority. Mr.

Greene is appointed Chairman of Ways and Means.--Renewed discus-

sions on the state of the country.-Speech of Mr. Otway Cave-Sir

Robert Peel states that he shall not re-introduce Lord Stanley's Irish

Registration Bill-Statements of Manufacturing distress made by several

Members-Sir Robert Peel's answer-He declines to afford the explana-

tions of his future measures demanded by the Opposition-The Chan-

cellor of the Exchequer makes his Financial statement-Observations

thereon of Mr. F. Baring-Speeches of Mr. Hawes, Mr. Ewart, Sir

Robert Peel, Lord Palmerston, Mr. C. Wood, and other Members--

The resolutions moved by the Chancellor of the Exchequer are carried

-Debates in the House of Lords-Lord Melbourne impugns the Minis-

terial Plan of Finance-Speeches of Lord Ripon and the Duke of Wel-

lington-Lord Radnor's Remarks on the Duke's speech-Explanations

-Speeches of Lord Kinnaird and the Duke of Richmond.-Progress of

business in the House of Commons-Bill for creating additional Judges

in Equity passed-Poor-laws-Sir Robert Peel brings in a bill to con-

tinue the Commission for six months-Mr. Yorke moves an instruction

to the Committee-Speeches of Sir J. Graham, Mr. Stuart Wortley,

Mr. V. Smith, Sir Robert Peel, Mr. Pakington and others-Mr. Yorke's

motion is rejected by a large majority-Mr. S. Crawford moves two

amendments, which are negatived after some discussion-Mr. B. Fer-

rand makes charges against the manufacturers-They are defended by

Mr. Mark Phillips-Speech of Sir J. Graham-Motion of Mr. Fielden

to reject the bill negatived by 183 to 18-Prorogation of Parliament-

Speech of the Lords Commissioners-End of the second Session of

1841

[201

CHAPTER X.

FRANCE.-State of Public Opinion in France, and situation of Parties-

Addresses presented to the King on the Jour de l'An-Gratifying recep-

tion of the Clergy-Reply of the King-Financial Statement of M.

Humann in the Chamber of Deputies-Account given by him of the

different branches of the Public Revenues and their probable produce-

Official Statement of the Assets and Liabilities of the Bank of France-

Conviction and Imprisonment of the Abbé de Lammenais for publish-

ing a Seditious Pamphlet-War-party advocate an alliance with Russia

-Conduct of France towards Spain--Speech of M. Guizot in the Cham-

ber of Peers on the Subject-Note addressed by M. Guizot to M.

Ferrer-Minister for Foreign Affairs of Spain, in Answer to the Mani-

festo of Queen Christina-Question of the Fortifications round Paris—

Appointment of a Committee to Report on the Subject-Report drawn

up by M. Thiers-Discussion thereupon in the Chamber of Deputies—

Speeches of MM. Carnot, Thiers, Marshal Soult, M. Guizot, and

others-Amendment proposed by General Schneider for erecting Works

on a less extensive scale opposed by M. Guizot, and negatived-Bill for

fortifying Paris passed-Bill introduced by the Minister of Finance (M.

Humann) demanding Credits-Speech of M. Humann-Forged Letters

imputed to Louis Philippe-Prosecution of French Journals for pub-

lishing them-Execution of Darmes the Regicide-Discontent through-

out France, and serious Disturbances in the Provinces on account of

the pressure of Taxation-Riots at Toulouse, Lyons, and other places

-Disturbances in Paris-Attempt to Assassinate the Duke d'Aumale

on his return from Africa-Seizure of Quénisset the Assassin-Account

of the "Communistes "-Trial and Condemnation of Quénisset and

his Accomplices-Trial and Conviction of M. Dupoty, Editor of the

Journal du Peuple-Government Prosecution of the Press in France-

Treaty for the Suppression of the Slave Trade signed in London be-

tween France and the other great Powers of Europe-Account of the

State of External Commerce of France, published by the Administra-

tion of Customs .

[230

CHAPTER XI.

SPAIN. Quarrel between Spain and Portugal relative to the Navigation

of the Douro-Convention made in 1835 for the free Navigation of that

River-Preparations for War in the two Countries-Settlement of the

Question-Expulsion of the Papal Nuncio from Spain-Sitting of the

-