The Sun.
London, England, 1861-03-13 00:00:00

become simply ridiculous. He thought the feeling in
favour of Reform was much overrated, and that the only
. two hon. members that were really sincere on the subject
were the hon member for Birmingham and the noble lord,
the member for the ci'y of London, and that many other
inembets in their apparent zeal on the question were
guilty of political insincerity. They had come fresh from the
. hustings, where they had spent more money than they
wished, and they were pledged to reform, so that they were
apprehensive, if they did not make some sort of demon-
stration in its favour, they might be sent back to their
constituents the next year. (Hear, hear, and laughter.)
He felt bound to support this bill, and would not follow
the example of the non. member for Brighton (Mr. Coning-
ham)—(laughter)—but would vote for the second reading.
After a few words from Mr. BEACH and Mr. EGERTON,
Lord J. RUSSELL said that in 1848 he thought there
should be an extension of the franchise, because he thought
it would strengthen the constitution of the country. He
thought, therefore, that it would be wise to come to some
arrangement in order that Parliament might gravely con-
sider the question without danger of being over-
awed as it had been on previous occasions. Pie was
of opinion also that any reform that could be introduced
should be embodied in some great comprehensive measure,
and not by detached portions. At the same time he did
not see why the house should wait for a large meature, and
decline to consider the bill before the house as it stood.
He thought the hon. member for East Surrey was quite
justified in bringing forward his bill, which, if passed,
would undoubtedly remedy a great defect of the bill of
1832.
Mr. DISRAELI said that there had been a settlement of
the question of reform in 1832, and when in 1851 the noble
lord re-introduced the subject, it was for him to consider
whether that settlement was an adequate one. He con-
tended that it was impossible to deal satisfactorily with the
question of reforin except by a complete and comprehen-
sive measure. The noble lord admitted that, and yet he
upon
ne
wanhaetxgrcepotuinondsinhereimerre. ncetothe m
Disraeli)
was
to comprehend. With regard to the bill before them, he de-
unetyntfirraenlychiatse buto loss
l
de-
nied that they could consider the due and legitimate incidence
of the county franchise unless they considered at the same
time the borough franchise, and other circumstances affect-
ing the representation of the people. He could not say that
if a large measure of reform were submitted, and this bill
were part of it, that he could support it, for this bill did
not by any means provide for the changes which he thought.
should be introduced into the county franchise, changes by
which the various classes in counties should be thoroughly
represented. The right hon. gentleman vindicated, at some
length, the Reform Bill which was introduced by Lord
Derby's Government.
The "previous question" having been moved by way of
amendment, the house divided upoa the point, "That the
question be now put"
Ayes 220
Noes
Majority —2B
The cheers of the Conservative party were of the most
boisterous character, when the numbers were announced
by the tellers, the bill being virtually lost.
AFFIRMATIONS BILL.

Sir J. TRELAWNY moved the second reading of this
bill, substituting affirmations in lieu of oaths in certain
cases.

Mr. HARDY said the real question was whether oaths
were to be administered in courts of justice. Believing
that it made a great difference to people whether they were
sworn or not, he opposed the motion.. He moved as an
amendment that the bill be read a second time this day six
months.

It being five minutes to six o'clock the house adjourned .

PARLIAMENTARY DIVISION.

HOUSE OF COMMONS—MARCH 12.
BOARD OF ADMIRALTY COMMITTEE.
Motion made, and question put, " That it be an instruction
to the Select Committee appointed to inquire into the
constitution of the Board of Admiralty, and the various
duties devolving thereon, also as to the general effect of _
such system on the navy, to consider the present system
of promotion and retirement in the royal navy, and to
report their opinion thereon." The house divided—
Ayes 96, Noes 33.