The Sun.
London, England, 1852-12-21 00:00:00

IMPERIA

HOUSE OF LORDS—(YESTERDAY.)
The LORD CHANCELLOR took his seat on the Woolsack
at 5 o'clock.

The attendance of Peers was slight. The members
of the Government having seats in the house were
present. On the Opposition benches were Lord Clanri.
carde and Lord Clarendon.

All the galleries of the house and the spaces at the
foot of the throne and below the bar were crowded.
MINISTERIAL EXPLANATION.

The Earl of DERBY rose and said—My lords, it is
consistent with the usual practice and advantageous for the
public service that a Minister of the Crown, in announcing
to your lordships the dissolution of his Gevernment, should
enter into some explanation. The responsibility of re-
signing office is no less an offence than that of accept-
ing it without due consideration ; and it is due to your
lordships, to the other house, and to the country, that
those who are charged with the Government should not
throw up that Government on light or on trifling grounds,
upon any minor differences of opinion, or upon any
ground of private misunderstanding or personal intrigue.
Upon the present occasion I am not called to trespass on
your lordships time at any length, because the causes of the
dissolution are patent to all, and upon the surface. The
noble earl then proceeded to say that, after the general
election of last summer, her Majesty's Government hav-
ing gone through the returns, found that there were about
310 gentlemen who were disposed to repose confidence
in her Majesty's Government, irrespective of the ques-
tion of free trade or protection. There were three other
parties, or rather there were more, one of whom
included within itself the various gradation between
high aristocratic and exclusive Whig and the wildest
theorist and extreme Radical, comprising about 260
members. There was a third party from the sister king-
dom—the representatives of the Catholic clergy, and
pledged to oppose every Government who were
not prepared to act on their extreme views. There
was another party, numerically small, but of great
personal worth, possessed of very great official
experience, still professing Conservative principles.
Those gentlemen possess talents which would reflect
credit on any administration, but their numbers, as I
stated, are comparatively small. In this state of things
it was obvious to her Majesty's present Government,
that though they had by far the largest party, and were
nearly a moiety of the whole House of Commons, yet
thc.v did not nnagnaa the anyinnrt of an a.haninta
in that house, and that consequently, if it should be the
will of all the three other parties to whom I have referred
to combine in carrying out a movement for the overthrow
of the Government, those three parties so combining—
whatever power they might possess for the formation of
another Government--had full power to destroy and
overthrow the Government which then existed. We
were not long to be left in doubt as to whether the will
existed on the part of those to whom I have alluded, to
overthrow the Government. Before we had an oppor-
tunity of bringing forward any specific measures, notice
was given of a motion by a gentleman holding extreme
opinions—a gentleman of whom I desire to speak with
all respect, because he has throughout consistently main-
tained and steadily supported the same opinions when
the were unpopular which he did when subsequently ra-
tified by public opinion, so that he at all events has a
perfect right to plume himself on the consistency of
his opinions, and to the hands of no man could a declara-
tion of free trade policy be more fitly consigned. But
the hon. gentleman holds extreme opinions ; and in order
that the Government might be placed in a minority on
that question, before we had any opportunity of bring.
ing forward our measures, it was necessary that a concert
should take place among all the parties to whom I have
referred, because, without such concert, the Government
would still be in a majority. My lords, we are speaking
here of no doubtful question. We have had some curi-
ous revelations made to us by a right hon. baronet, a
member of the other house, who has lifted the curtain,
admitted us behind the scenes, shown us the actors pre-
paring for their parts, and discussing the most convenient
phrases to be adopted in order to obtain that universal
concurrence which was necessary to accomplish their
object, and and place the Government in a minority.
The incidents, my lords, possess almost a dramatic
character ; for when these concerted measures ap-
peared ready for execution, an amendment was moved
in another and an unexpected quarter, which placed
the matter on a different footing, and prevented that
union of Whigs, Conservatives, and Radicals, which was
necessary for the Government to be placed in a minority.
My lords, the Government escaped defeat on this occa-
sion by the falling asunder of the different materials of
which that combination was composed. We proceeded
then to bring forward and to submit to Parliament the
financial policy which we were to propose, and after a
lengthend debate in the House of Commons, by the
union of all the three parties, the Government were de-
feated in a house almost unprecedentedly full—a house,
I believe, in which there were not more than six and
twenty members in the whole house who, in one way or
the other, did not record their opinions. In that house
so constituted the Government were subjected to a de-
feat by a majority of nineteen. If we had been defeated
on a minor and incidental point—if it were on some detail
of a measure the general principle of which was assented
to by Parliament--greatly as I should have felt that
the position .of the Government was thereby weakened,
I should not have considered myself satisfied upon such
a defeat in abandoning the duty confided. But
the motion was made ostensibly as a vote of want
of confidence in the Government, and, under
those circumstances, it was the opinion of my col-
leagues that it was our duty at once to resign.
-Having had a distinct declaration of want of confi-
dence on the part of the Honse of Commons, I and
my colleagues were unaninvausly of opinion as to the
only course we ought to pursue ; and I proceeded to
w it on her Majesty to tender, in my own name and that
of my colleagues, the humble resignation of our ser-
vices. Her Majesty was pleased to accept that resigna-
tion, and to signify her pleasure, which was acted on in
the course of the same evening, to send for, and to take
the advice of two members of your lordship's house,
of great experience and ability, and one of whom, I say
it .without disrespect to the other, was peculiarlydistin-
gnished for the well-known moderation and temper
which he has shown in discharging his duty in this house.
That noble marquis (Lansdowne) was prevented by ill-
ness from attending, and on the following day the Earl
of Aberdeen waited on her Majesty, and signified his
readiness to undertake the formation of a new Adminis-
tration. On what principle that Administration is
to be formed, of whom it is to be composed, what are
to be its principle I know nothing. We shall, I presume,
have a full declaration before long from the noble earl
himself. I remember that on more than one occasion
that noble earl has declared that the question of free trade
excepted, he knew of no point upon which he differed
with myself and my present colleagues. I presume it is
the intention of the noble earl to carry on the Govern-
ment if he shall be able to form it on strictly Conserva-
tive principles. My lords, how those principles are
to be carried out at present, I, confess I enter-
tain some little doubt and anxiety, with such
associates and such support as I apprehend the
noble earl must avail himself of. But of this I
shall say nothing ; I shall abstain from a single
expression which can have the effect of prejudging the
course to be* pursued by the noble earl. This I may say
in his absence, as I would say in his presence, that I am
confident he relies, and he may justly rely, on having
more forbearance shown him by the great Conservative
party with which I have the honour to act than that
Conservative party has experienced at the hands of
ethers. (Hear, hear.) I venture to promise that if the
government about to be formed be conducted upon Con-
servative principles, and with a view to resist the onward
progress of democratic power in the constitution—in
that event the noble earl may rely on having, if not the
cordial, at all events the sincere and conscientious sup-
port of the great Conservative party in this country. He
will find, if the past cannot be forgotten, that at least
personal feeling shall exercise no influence on our con-
duct, and he will find that he will be encountered on the
part of myself and my friends by no factious opposition,
and that he will be met by no unprincipled combination.
(Hear, hear.) My lords, for my part, I need hardly
say, that personally to myself the surrender of office is
no sacrifice, and costs no pain in personal feeling. It
would, indeed, be a deep mortification to me din resigning
the trust reposed in my hands by my Sovereign, I left
the country in a less advantageous position than I found
it. But I rejoice to think that, short as has been the
period during which I and my colleagues have held office
that period has not been withont advantage to the coun-
trY—that period has not elapsed without some beneficial
measures having been carried ; and that while we leave
ILcoeuntry in a condition of peace and great tranquility
:lay no hesitation in saying that, in regard to the fo-
reign reia .
vanta tons of the country, we leave it in a more ad-
geous state—that our foreign relations are in a
more friend]. • when y and in a more satisfactory position than
, of
noble friend the Foreign Secretary received '
enarge of that clepartment ; and I rejoice to have this
npportunity of
_I„ o„, has beenbe_aring my testimony to one than whom
unjustly
malignedeunsgly, and I venture to say
;It-An) From firsto thana my noble friend. (Hear,
I have had no cause for
anything but self-gratuiatt
I(,ni in having obtained for
tli,tt department the a
pr,- vious political experience es of one who, without
an ability, a diligence, has brought to bear
the affairs of his departraZZ a goad judgment on
and
whie which reflects the
highest credit upon him,
adrairatnioinventure to say has
of old and ex e.
the applause and
rienced diplomatists, against whose
he has on
ttccessfully
more than one occasion had to combat, awnds
to combat. (Hear, hear.) If we look toirn
merit
edraents
depart-
merit of law, we shall find that greater
and reforms have taken place in that department
during
,the last 12 months than have taken place for many
previous—reforms of a magnitude and importaneneYwyheaig
have gained the acknowledgments both of the members
of this house and of the country at large. For these
reforms we are indebted to the zeal and assiduity, and
distinguished talent and thorough professional know.
ledge of my noble and learned friend who sits on the
woolsack, and for whom, when he quits it, it will be dif-
ficult, indeed, for any Government to find a successor
who will not give the country cause to regret the change.
(Hear, hear.) I take no credit to the present Govern-
ment for the state of our finances ; but I think I may
take credit for our having done this—for having for the
first time broken the apathy—the dangerous apathy, the
existence of which was most injurious to the public
service, in regard to the internal defences of this
country. (Hear, hear.) And if we leave the affairs
of this country in such a state that
o
hatthere is no fear of
hostility from abroad--
f friendly relations
*411.4 great powere--n a state
7we leave it also in a condition

e self-defencecom p we
thi
oi cnh iso f almost
wc oe mhpal
ve tee diai ad da towardsground
full
which I trust may not be abandoned by those who may
succeed us, who, I trust, will not be neglectful of those
great elements of self-defence which we have called into
operation, the old and constitutional force of the militia,
and an increase to that naval force which must ever be,
in the first instance, the safeguard of this country. My
lords, we leave the administration of this country in a
state, I hope, of tranquillity, of contentment, and of
prosperity ; at peace with all foreign powers, with in-
creasing, if not with fully accomplished, means of self-
defence and self-independence. Under these circum-
stances, it is no personal sacrifice to us to surrender the
reins of office. I rejoice to see that those who may suc-
ceed us, apart from those personal difficulties which I
cannot but think they have created for themselves, have
a comparatively easy task before them. I trust that
they will go on in a course of social improvement, and
that they will place this country on a footing where it
ought to stand. I trust that, with regard to those great
measures and objects to which I have alluded, they
will complete the course which we have begun,
and I hope that this great country will still continue
to enjoy tranquillity and contentment at home, peace
abroad, and an increasing prosperity among all classes
of the people, by whosesoever hands it may be
the will of the Sovereign that the affairs of this great
country shall be administered. (Hear, hear.) My
lords. I have only further to state—and it is hardly ne-
cessary for me to do so after what I have said—that I
and my colleagues hold our offices only until our suc-
cessors shall have been appointed, and until the noble
earl to whom the task has been entrusted shall be en-
abled to present for her Majesty's approbation, and to
introduce to this and the other house of Parliament, a
Government which in his judgment he shall feel to be
capable of conducting the affairs of this country. Under
these circumstances, my lords, I received from the noble
earl this morning, a communication which I must con-
fess did a little surprise me ; because I did anticipate,
after what has taken place—after the conferences
which have been held between various parties, and the
decided steps which have been adopted to put her Ma-
jesty's Government at the earliest opportunity in a mi-
nority—l anticipated that not four-a,nd-twenty, certainly
not eight-and-forty hours, would elapse before the noble
earl would be in a position to submit a programme of his
Government to her Majesty, I received a communication
from the noble earl in the course of the day, requesting
me to move the adjournment of the house to this day week.
I informed the noble earl in reply that I would consult his
wishes and move the adjournment of the house, but' that
looking to the period of the year, and to the inconvenience
that would be experienced by many of your lordships by
being detained in town over Christmas-day—though, of
course, all other VOTlRhimrationo muqt yield to that Para
mount one of promoting the public service—l would
move the adjournment of the house till Thursday, hoping
that by that time the noble earl would have made such
progress in his arrangements as to be able to take upon
himself the responsibility of the public service. But I
added that if he had not made the requisite progress in
his arrangements by Thursday, I would then move, and
I am sure your lordships will concur in the noble earl's
desire, that this house should be adjourned till Monday
next. My lords I have to thank you for the patience
with which you have listened to me, and I now move
that this house at its rising do adjourn till Thursday
next. (Hear, hear.)
The Duke of NEWCASTLE (who spoke from the
cross benches)—My lords, the noble earl in the course
of his observations said he was anxious to avoid every-
thing that could promote controversy, or that was likely
to create a hostile feeling. I regret that through a consi-
derable portion of his speech the noble earl did not adhere
to that consideration. (Hear, hear.) I certainly, my lords,
do not feel less anxious than the noble earl to avoid
everything that can promote controversyand excite hostile
feeling, and therefore I shall avoid entering upon any of the
topics except one to which the noble earl has referred. I
shall not stop to consider how far the course which the
noble earl has taken is in strict conformity with that
courtesy which usually prevails between a Minister 'who
has resigned office and one who has received her Majes-
ty's commands to form a new Administration. (Hear,
hear.) I shall not stop to discuss that question, as lam
anxious to avoid as much as possible entering upon any
topic which can excite unpleasant feeling ; but I think
there was one statement made by the noble earl which
requires to be contradicted now, even though the house
is to be adjourned only till Thursday next, for I think it
is due to the character of some gentlemen who are not
members of your lordships' house, and, particularly, it
is due to the noble earl who has received her Majesty's
commands to form a new Admisistration—l say it is due
to them that some notice should be taken of one state-
ment which the noble earl made with the greatest confi-
dence, and founded, as he stated, on facts patent to all
your lordships, and on the explanations of a right hon.
baronet, a friend of mine, in the other house of
Parliament. Now, I beg to give to that state-
ment a most positive and eraphatic, though at the same
time a most courteous, denial. (Hear, hear.) The noble
earl stated that he saw at the commencement of the
session a determination on the part of three parties,
whom he enumerated, to overthrow the Government,
and he quoted the speech of a right honourable baronet
in the other house of Parliament, to prove that attempts
were made to form a combination by which the Govern-
ment would be prevented from bringing their measures
before the country. My lords, the very opposite of that
statement is the truth. (Hear, hear.) The part which
he did take was announced by the right hon. baronet as
having been taken by himself, in concert with my noble
friend, who is now absent ; and I think it is absolutely
necessary for me, or for some one of his friends—he has
very few in this house—to rise in his place and to state
the real facts of the case. My lords, I say that the
statement of the right hon. baronet was this—that at-
tempts were made by a few gentlemen—himself included
—to prepare a resolution which should combine the
whole of the friends of free trade, and to separate that
resolution from all appearance of opposition to the
Government. It was for that express purpose that my
right honourable friend framed his resolution ; and, my
lords, can there be a more conclusive proof that there
was no such combination as the noble earl stated than
the simple fact that the very words which my right
hon. friend framed were the words which were even-
tually accepted and adopted by the Government,
though they did not receive the sanction and appro-
bation of the hon. gentleman to whom the noble earl
alluded, as having moved the first resolution. (Hear,
hear)? My lords, I have already said Ido not wish to
arouse controversy ; but it is due to my right hon.
friend in the other house—it is due to the noble earl,
that such a statement should not go forth uncontra-
dieted. The opposite statement is the case. It was
their strong and earnest desire that the noble earl and
his colleagues in the other House of Parliament should
produce before the country their measures ; and the
course of my right hon. friend, and of those to whom
the noble earl alluded as members of a party of 35—the
course they took with regard to the resolution moved
by the hon. gentleman, are facts patent to all ; and were
it not for the broad statements made by the noble earl
to-night, I should have thought that contradiction was
unnecessary. (Hear, hear.) When the noble earl talks
of combination, I must say that he has himself informed
the house of a fact which affords the strongest contra-
diction to the combination and preparation which he has
assumed to exist, when he has informed your lordships
that the noble earl who was summoned to Osborne on
Saturday required a week in order to form an Ad-
ministration. (Hear, hear.) I will not now enter
further into a discussion on the subject. We have
heard before of Prime Ministers who were taken
by surprise, and found themselves in positions
which they had little expected. My noble friend
(the (Earl of Aberdeen), when he appears in this
house, will be capable of explaining to your lord-
ships the part which he has taken in all these trans-
actions much better than I can do ; but this I must say,
that if the high honour and reputation of my noble
friend as a member of this house did not command from
the noble earl opposite an abstinence from the insinua-
tion which he has thrown out against him—l think, I
say, that if such feelings do not exist in his mind—still
the duty in which, by the command of his Sovereign, he
is now engaged ought to have prevented him from
making charges and using expressions of this nature.
(Hear, hear.) I rose, my lords, for no other purpose
than to say that the statement made by the noble earl,
with reference to the existence of a combination for the
purpose of preventing her Majesty's Government ex-
plaining their measures to the country, is perfectly and
entirely unfounded, and I was anxious to give it the
most positive contradiction. I can assure the noble earl
that if, on any future and more regular occasion—for
the noble earl will perhaps forgive me for saying that
his course upon the present occasion has been a
most unusual one—(hear, hear)—he will raise any of
these complaints, he shall be fully and fairly met ; and
if he has been deceived, though in justice to him I
cannot believe that he has been, the facts shall be ex-
plained to him. It is most important that through
such lips as those of the noble earl the country should
not be under any misconception as to the views, the
honesty, and the straightforward conduct of those who
perhaps before long will be intrusted with the duty of
the Administration of this country. I beg pardon of
your lordships for having detained you with these re-
marks. I found myself placed in an unusual position,
but with the affections I bear to the noble earl (the Earl
of Aberdeen) as a friend, as well as with regard to other
friends of mine in the House of Commons, whose charac-
ters have been drawn into this discussion, I could not
refrain from offering a few remarks to the house. In
conclusion, I will only beg your lordships not to consider
that there are not many other things in the speech of
the noble earl which may require on a future occasion
explanation, and a no less positive contradiction than
that given by me to that particular part to which I have
called the attention of your lordships. (Hear, hear.)
The Earl of DERBY said—l trust the noble lord
will permit me to state that I did not say that there had
been a motion made for the purpose of preventing us
barptn9igiyaoibnnvigtoorgu.ustrttmeehiereraesures before the country. What I did say
Wasw that from the first commencement of the session it
measures
eoptrheconcert
ehn
otiunbs
gee between edee ntGht
oehveecountry; Liberalen
purposewas s
that a motion was made and concert entered into on the
our measures
lid not say that th
Nytoe had an opportunity of submitting
subject
motion at that time the country. (Hear, hear.) I
these ineasuriessliotl have
Weasspteocpifirceve objectus briofngimnagkifnogrwatrhde
only to add, that if the
prepared on Thursday next, I
noble Earl
Monday next, and thatad
j
shall move the
ournment of the house until
e interval.
linlrneasures of any importance
will be brought forward i
iournment was then agreed to.
The motion for the ad
a stage, and
Some bills were then Passed
ships adjourned.
their lord-

HOUSE OF COMMONS-(YESTERDAY.)

The SPEAKER took the chair at 4 o'clock, when there
was a very full attendance of members.
PETITIONS.

Mr. COBDEN presented a petition from the West
Riding, praying for the repeal of the taxes on knowledge.
. Sir DE LACY EVANS presented two petitions from
Westminster, praying the house to take steps for the
release of Edward Murray.
Mr. 0, BRUCE presented a petition from a place in
Scotland,- against the grant to Maynooth.
Mr. T. DUNCOMBE presented a petition from the
farmers of Cumberland, complaining of the conduct of
the magistracy of that county, in reference to their offi-
cial proceeding, and praying the house to pass measures
to prevent magistrates adjudicating in cases where they
are personally interested.
Several petitions were presented from literary and
scientific institutions, praying the house to make them
grants of Parliamentary papers.
Mr. BRIGHT presented a petition from. Manchester,
praying for the repeal of the Excise duty upon paper and
soap, when there shall be a sufficient surplus in the Ex:
chequer to admit of such a measure.
Several petitions were presented from various parts of
the country, against any alteration in the house tax.
RELIGIOUS INTOLERANCE IN SPAIN.
Sir R. H. INGLIS wished to ask the Under-Secre-
tary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he had
seen a notice published by the Spanish Government,
in which it was stated that foreigners residing in, and
passing through, Spain, would be prohibited from prac-
tising or professing any other than that of the Roman
Catholic religion ? (A laugh.)
Lord STANLEY said, that the attention of the
Foreign-office had been directed to such a notice,
but the terms of the notice were of so ambiguous a cha-
racter, that Lord Howden, our Minister at Madrid,[had
been requested to apply to the Spanish Government for
an explanation of them.
NOTICE OF MOTION.

Mr. MOORE gave notice that, immediately after the
recess, he should bring before the house a motion in re
lation to the Irish Consolidated Annuities, and the re-
commendation contained in the report of the Lords'
Committee on that subject.
Mr. W. WILLIAMS gave notice that early after the
recess, he should move that probate and legacy duties
should be extended to real property.
MINISTERIAL CRISIS.

By a quarter past four there was a scanty gathering
of ex-Ministers on the Treasury Benches—among those
present, we observed Sir John Pakington and Mr. Wal-
pole.

About tweuty minutes past four, Mr. Gladstone hav-
ing entered a few minutes previously, hurried from his
usual post below the gangway, to the seat occupied by
Lord John Russell on the front bench of the Opposi-
tion, when the two eminent statesmen were very speedily
absorbed in conversation.
Sir James Graham was in his place by the side of the
noble lord the member for the city of London.
After the conversation already alluded to having taken
place between Mr. Gladstone and Lord John Russell,
the latter crossed over for a few moments, and, taking
his seat on the Treasury bench near Mr. Walpole, spoke
for an interval to the ex-Home Secretary. The noble
lord then talked for a minute or so to the Speaker.
The Right Hon. the Chancellor of the Exchequer en-
tered the house at about half-past four o'clock, looking
better, we were glad to see, than he has appeared for
some time past, with a blooming red rose in his button.
hole.

The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER rose
and said : Mr. Speaker—After the vote to which the
House arrived on Thursday night, the Earl of Derby
and his colleagues thought it to be their duty to
tender the resignation of their offices to her Majesty, and
her Majesty has been most graciously pleased to accept
the same. It has reached me that the Earl of Aberdeen
has undertaken the office of forming a new Administra-
tion, and it therefore remains for me to say that we hold
our present offices only until our successors are ap-
pointed. I hope the house will not consider it presump-
tuous on my part if, under these circumstances, I venture
to offer them my grateful thanks for the indulgent, and, I
may even say, generous manner, in which, on both sides, I
have been supported, in attempting to conduct the busi-
ness of this house—(cheers)—and if, sir, in the course of
that unequal struggle in which we have been engaged,
one word has escaped my lips which has been calculated
to hurt the feelings of any gentleman in this house, I
deeply regret it—(cheers from the Opposition)—and I
hope that the impression on their part will be as transitory
as the sense of provocation was on my own. (Renewed
cheers.) The kind opinion of the members of this house,
whatever may be their political opinions, and wherever
I may sit, will always be to me a most precious posses-
sion, and one which I shall always most covet and most
appreciate. (Cheers.) I beg leave now to move, sir,
that this house, at its rising, do adjourn until Thursday
next. (Cheers.)
Lord J. RUSSELL—Sir, I rise for the purpose, in
the first place, of concurring in the motion which has
just been made ; and, in the next place, to say that I feel
quite certain that if, in the course of debate, any words
fell from the right hon. gentleman which were calculated
to hurt the feelings of any one, they are to be attributed
entirely to the circumstances in which the hon, gentle.
man was placed, and not to any wish or desire to offend.
(Cheers.) For my part, I have always admired the
ability and talent with which he has carried on
the business of this house, and I have still
more admired the manner in which, singly as
it were, he had to battle for the interests of his Govern-
ment. (Cheers.) It is impossible, sir, to hope that
those halcyon days will ever overtake us, when the
course of debate in this house shall be such as not to
give rise to some degree of angry feeling—(hear, hear)—
and if it should ever occur that any feeling of that kind
must arise, the sting, I hope, will be done away with by
hon. gentlemen imitating the course which the right hon.
gentleman has judiciously taken to-night. (Cheers.)
Sir J. GRAHAM—Sir, with respect to the future
I am altogether uninformed ; but with respect to the
past, after what has fallen from the right hon. gentle.
man opposite, I cannot refrain saying one word upon
this occasion. (Hear, hear.) It would be impossible
for me, Sir, not to feel with some degree of pain the
expressions which fell from the right hon. gentleman
the other night ; but, if I had thought that those ex-
pressions were intended purposely to wound my feelings,
it would have been of a far different kind, for I am not
conscious, Sir, of having said anything in the course
of debate which was in any way calculated to wound
or hurt the feelings of the right honourable gen-
tleman. (Cheers.) I cannot, therefore, believe that
the expressions which the right honourable gentleman
used were intentional ; but I am confident that he made
use of them in the heat of debate, and without any pre-
meditation. (Cheers.) No member of this house can
be more attached to the freedom of debate than myself ;
but, at the same time, I cordially concur in what has
fallen from my noble friend the member for the city of
London, as to the wisdom and policy of conducting our
discussions with temperance and decorum. (Hear, hear.)
I have only to add, sir, in conclusion, that I have never
failed to admire the talents of the right hon. gentleman
opposite, and also, I must say, the manner in which he
has conducted the business of this house. I hope the
house will pardon me for what I have said, but I felt that
expressions had been used which rendered it necessary
for me to say thus much, though I hope my conduct in
this house, at all times, will ensure me some portion of
its respect, which is all that I desire. (Cheers.)
Sir CHARLES WOOD said—l think I should be
wanting in that proper feeling which has marked the
conduct of the right honourable gentleman, if I did not
say a word on this occasion. I can only say, if I had
been conscious of having used an expression beyond the
fair liberty of debate, I should not have been wanting in
inclination to retract or apologise for that expression ;
but being unconscious of having done so, I referred to a
right honourable gentleman who sits near me, and he
did not think I had used any expression to justify the
attack of the right honourable gentleman. I think it
fair to say this only in my own defence ; but feeling
strongly as I did on the question under discussion, I may,
in the heat of debate, have betrayed a warmth of expres-
sion far beyond any intention on my part. (Hear, hear.)
I thought it fair to myself to say thus much ; and I may
add, I accept the expression of the right honourable
gentlethan's regret as frankly as he has proffered it.
(Hear, hear.) I am sure that he must feel that, with
the friendly and reciprocal terms on which we have here-
tofore communicated, I could not have intended to say
anything personal. And I will say further, with regard
to any expressions which gave him pain, there are no
expressions of courtesy which I am not willing to make.
(Hear, hear.) I am most anxious our debates in this
house should be conducted with courtesy, and I am
very sorry indeed that anything like personal observa-
tion should have arisen to interrupt it. (Hear, hear.)
Col. SIBTHORP had listened attentively to what had
fallen from the three right hon. gentlemen opposite
in reply to the observations of the Chancellor of
the Exchequer, and certainly the scene of this
evening reminded him very much of a well-
known saying he had heard, that we might knock a
man down in the street, and afterwards help him to a
plaster. (A laugh.) He did not subscribe to the
knocking down, nor had he much sympathy with the
sincerity of the individual who stopped after having
done that to give the plaster, and in that view he looked
upon the conduct of the right hon. gentleman opposite.
(Laughter.) He had heard that the noble earl at the
head of the Government had tendered his resignation,
and he regretted it very much, because he could not
help feeling that the noble lord had succumbed to a
daring phalanx of conspirators, but those conspirators
were something like the dog and the cat, and he had
this belief to console himself with that they could not
long hold together. (Laughter.)
Mr. HUME said he had no apology to make ; but he
had an act of duty to perform, in expressing to her Ma-
jesty's late Government that he had been highly pleased
at the manner in which facilities had been given to ob-
tain all the information which was useful to the house.
(Hear.) The motion now before the house involved in
his mind matter of anxious and deep concern. To him
difficulties appeared which perhaps to others might not
be apparent, and ho was fearful that unless a wise Min-
ister adopted prudential and wise counsels that 'the tha-