The Press.
London, England, 1854-07-15 00:00:00

I

JULY 15, 1854.

might be under discussion. (Hear.) If they thought it
was a question which related to the transaction of public
business merely, they thought it their duty either to
abstain from opposition or to give the Government their
support. The right hon. gentleman seems to think that
no such duty is incumbent on him. He seems to consider
these questions, in which the great interests of the country
are involved, as a game in which it is perfectly competent
for him to embarrass us when he can—to utter sarcasms—
to coin. down with taunts, and not to consider at all what
important consequences may follow. If the right lion.
gentleman can find that his party will go with him on
great questions, let him make a vote of confidence or no
confidence upon any question upon which the Government
must take its stand. Let hint take that' course—let him
act as his predecessors h tee dime. But if there is a ques-
tion on which Ito or nib really are nut bound by any
principle to oppose the Government—if, on the contrary,
it is a motion adverse to their principles, let them act
with that regard to character and integrity of conduct
which has distinguished them as a party."
Mr. Scumx and Mr. .11Liotnas having spoken at
considerable length,
Mr. DISRAELI disclaimed all intention of seeking to
put the Government into a minority, since the princi-
pal duty of the Opposition at present was to try to
prevent the Government from being beaten every
night. The noble lord had desired that the confi
deuce of the house should be tested on some great
question, but he (Mr. Disraeli) would like to know on
what question of importance the Government had
not already been put into minorities. He remarked
that nothing could be more unconstitutional than
that power should be in the possession of those
who could not command majorities to pass their
bills. The course, under similar circumstances, had
been to require some leading independent member
who supported Government to bring the question of
confidence to &formal issue, and this was the course
which he called on Lord J. Russell to adopt
" Tf the noble lord wished to have the opinion of the
house taken as to whether or no the House of Commons
had confidence in his Government. the course sanctioned
by precedent was, that he should ask one of his own sup-
porters to introduce a motion on the subject. Had he
(Mr. Disraeli) been anxious to ascertain the fact himself,
he would not have hesitated to put the question to the
test, but he had no desire to disturb a Government which
he admired for its power of sufferance, and which he was
willing, as a member of a grateful community, to do justice
to for its patriotism. ( Laughter.) When the present
Coalition Government was formed he was asked how long
it would last, and he replied, until the political reputation
of every member of it, as a public man, was irretrievably
injured. (Laughter.)"
After this speech from Mr. Disraeli the subject
dropped.
A debate running upon parallel topics was carried
on in the upper house upon the same evening. The
Earl of MALMESBURY vindicated Mr. Napier, and
censured the Irish Secretary. The Duke of NEW
CASTLE defended Sir J. Young and the Government
generally. Many other peers spoke, and the dis-
cussion lasted for some considerable time, but pre-
sented no distinctive features from the Commons'
debate, and, like it, led to no legislative result.