CONTENTS.

CHAPTER I.

ASPECT of Public Affairs at the commencement of the year 1850-Im-

provement of Trade and Revenue, and. diminution of Pauperism-Con-

tinued Depression of the Agricultural Interest-Parliament is opened by

Commission on 31st January-The Queen's Speech-Debates on the

Address-In the House of Lords, it is moved by the Earl of Essex,

seconded by Lord Methuen-The Earl of Stradbroke moves an Amend-

ment, setting forth the distressed state of the Agricultural Classes, which

is seconded by the Earl of Desart-The Amendment is supported by the

Duke of Richmond, the Earl of Winchilsea, the Duke of Beaufort and

Lord Stanley; the Earls of Carlisle, Granville, and Fitzwilliam, the

Marquess of Lansdowne, and Lord Brougham, vindicate the Address,

which is carried by a majority of 49-In the House of Commons, Mr.

C. Villiers moves, and Sir James Duke seconds, a similar Address-Sir

John Trollope moves an Amendment, embodying the complaints of the

Owners and Occupiers of Land, which is seconded by Colonel Chatterton

-The Chancellor of the Exchequer enters into statistical details, showing

the increased Trade and Revenue of the Country, and the Reduction of

Parochial Burdens-The Debate is continued for two nights by adjourn-

ment-Speeches of Mr. H. Herbert, Mr. W. Fagan, Sir John Walsh, Mr.

Grantley Berkeley, the Marquess of Granby, Mr. Christopher, Mr. Robert

Palmer, Mr. Muntz, Mr. Herries, Mr. Labouchere, Mr. Disraeli, Lord John

Russell, and Mr. Cobden-On a Division, the Address is carried by 311

against 192. LOCAL BURDENS ON LAND-Mr. Disraeli moves on the 19th

Feb. for a Committee of the whole House, to consider a Revision of

Poor-Law Burdens His Speech-He is answered at length by Sir

George Grey-The Motion is supported, during a protracted Debate of

two nights, by Mr. Seymer, Sir John Tyrrell, Lord John Manners, Mr.

Stafford, and Mr. Gladstone, and opposed by Mr. Bright, Mr. Hobhouse,

Mr. Wilson, Sir James Graham, and Sir Robert Peel-On a Division, the

Motion is negatived by a Majority of 21 votes. PARLIAMENTARY REFORM

-Mr. Hume proposes, on the 28th Feb., a Resolution for the Extension

of the Franchise The Motion is seconded by Sir Joshua Walmsley, and

advocated by Mr. Feargus O'Connor, Mr. W. P. Wood, Mr. Roebuck, Mr.

B. Osborne, and Mr. Locke King-Sir George Grey, Mr. Henry Drum-

mond, and Lord John Russell address the House on the other side-Mr.

Hume's proposition is negatived by 242 to 96

Page [1

CHAPTER II.

COLONIAL AFFAIRS-Constitutional Government for the Colonies-Increasing

public interest in that subject-Development of the views of Government

by Lord John Russell, in moving Resolutions in the House of Commons

on the 8th of February-His able and comprehensive Speech-Remarks

of Sir W. Molesworth, Mr. Gladstone, Mr. Adderley, Mr. F. Scott, Mr.

Hume, and other Members. AUSTRALIAN COLONIES BILL-Second Reading

a 2

moved by Lord John Russell, on the 18th of February-Mr. Roebuck

criticises the Measure-After a general discussion the Second Reading is

carried-Committal of the Bill-Numerous Amendments are moved by

Sir W. Molesworth, Mr. Mowatt, Mr. Roebuck, Mr. C. Lushington, Mr. E.

Denison, and other Members-The Bill, in its main features, is success-

fully supported by the Government-Various questions of Colonial Policy

mooted in debate-On bringing up the Report Sir W. Molesworth moves

the re-committal of the Bill, explaining at some length his views of

Colonial Policy-Mr. Gladstone supports the Motion, which is resisted by

Mr. Labouchere and Sir George Grey, and is negatived on a Division by

165 against 42—Mr. Gladstone moves the addition of a Clause giving to

the Church of England in the Colonies a power of synodical action-

Interesting discussion on this Motion-Speeches in favour of the Amend-

ment are made by Mr. A. B. Hope, Mr. W. P. Wood, Mr. Roundell Palmer,

Mr. Walpole, and Mr. Adderley, and by Sir George Grey, Mr. Hume, Mr.

Roebuck, and the Attorney-General, contra-The Clause is rejected by

187 to 102-On the Third Reading being moved, Mr. Gladstone proposes

that the operation of the Bill be suspended until the opinion of the

Colonies respecting it can be ascertained-Mr. Roebuck supports the

proposition, which, after a full discussion, is negatived by 226 to 128-

Other Amendments are rejected, and the Bill is passed-In the House of

Lords the Second Reading of the Bill is carried nem. diss.-Motion made

by Lord Brougham that the Opponents may be heard by Counsel against the

Bill-Opposed by Earl Grey, and negatived by 33 to 25-The Bishop of

Oxford moves that the Bill be referred to a Select Committee His

Speech-Earl Grey opposes the Motion, which, after some discussion and

a Speech from Lord Stanley, is rejected by 34 to 21-Various Amend-

ments proposed in Committee-Certain Clauses abandoned by Ministers-

The Amendments made in the Lords are ultimately adopted by the

House of Commons. AFFAIRS OF CEYLON-Proceedings of the Select

Committee-Substance of the Report-Indignation expressed in the

House of Commons at the conduct of Lord Torrington. WEST INDIAN

ISLANDS-Resolution moved by Sir E. F. Buxton, affirming the injustice

of exposing the free-grown Sugar to competition with Slave-trading

Countries-His Speech-Mr. W. Evans seconds the Motion-Speeches of

Mr. Hume, Mr. Mangles, Mr. Grantley Berkeley, Mr. Wilson, Mr. E. H.

Stanley, Mr. Hutt, Sir John Pakington, the Chancellor of the Exchequer,

Mr. Gladstone, and Lord Palmerston-The Resolution of Sir E. F. Buxton

is negatived by 275 against 234

[25

CHAPTER III.

FOREIGN POLICY-Affairs of Greece-Measures taken by Admiral Parker in

the Piraus-Opinions in this Country on the Question—On the 4th of

February Lord Stanley requires an Explanation from Ministers—Answer

of the Marquess of Lansdowne-Observations of the Earl of Aberdeen-

In the House of Commons, Mr. M. Gibson and Mr. Disraeli address ques-

tions to the Government, which are answered by Lord Palmerston-Fur-

ther Discussions in both Houses on the subject from time to time-Lord

Stanley gives notice of a formal Motion in the House of Lords-The

French Ambassador suddenly leaves London on the 15th of May-In-

quiries and Explanations in Parliament respecting this occurrence After

some postponements, at the request of Ministers, the Debate on Lord

Stanley's Motion on the Affairs of Greece takes place on the 18th of

June-Able and eloquent Speech of Lord Stanley-He is answered by

the Marquess of Lansdowne-Speeches of Lord Aberdeen, Lord Beaumont,

Viscount Canning, the Earl of Hardwicke, Lord Brougham, and other

Peers-On a Division, Lord Stanley's Resolution is carried against the

Government by a Majority of 37-In the House of Commons, Mr. Roe-

buck questions Lord John Russell respecting the position of Ministers-

Statement of Lord John Russell-Mr. Roebuck gives notice of a Resolu-

tion vindicating the Foreign Policy of the Government-The Debate

commences on the 24th of June, and is continued for four nights by

adjournment-Eloquent and brilliant Speeches on both sides-Powerful

defence of his Policy by Lord Palmerston, and interesting Speech of Sir

Robert Peel, being the last Speech by him before his lamented Death-

Summary of the leading Speeches for and against Ministers, including

those of Mr. Roebuck, Sir F. Thesiger, Mr. W. P. Wood, Sir James

Graham, Sir John Walsh, Mr. Sidney Herbert, Mr. Gladstone, Mr.

Cockburn, Mr. Walpole, Mr. Cobden, Lord John Russell, and Mr. Disraeli

-The Division gives a Majority of 46 in favour of Government. AFFAIRS

OF HUNGARY-Lord Dudley Stuart moves for Papers relating to the

extradition of Hungarian Refugees from Turkey-Explanation given by

Lord Palmerston-Remarks made by various Members on the subject—

African Slave-Trade Suppression-Mr. Hutt moves an Address to the

Crown in favour of discontinuing the Squadron on the Coast of Africa-

Mr. Baillie seconds the Motion, which is supported by Mr. Grantley

Berkeley, Mr. Anstey, Lord Harry Vane, Mr. Gladstone, and Lord Robert

Grosvenor, and opposed by Mr. W. Evans, Mr. Labouchere, Mr. Cardwell,

Sir G. Pechell, and Lord John Russell-On a Division, the Motion is

negatived by 232 to 154

CHAPTER IV.

[57

AFFAIRS OF IRELAND-Statement of Lord John Russell respecting Irish

Distress, and the proposed mode of dealing with the distressed Unions and

repayments of Advances-After some debate, the Ministerial Resolutions

are

agreed to-Bill founded thereon brought in and passed. EXTENSION

OF THE IRISH PARLIAMENTARY FRANCHISE-Origin and progress of the

Measure-Bill brought in by the Secretary for Ireland-Its general

features-Debate on the Second Reading-Remarks of Mr. Napier, Mr.

Hume, Mr. Reynolds, Mr. M. J. O'Connell, Mr. Bright, and other Members

The Bill is read a Second Time nem. con.-It encounters a good deal of

opposition in Committee-Various Amendments proposed, but, with slight

exceptions, rejected-The proposition to reduce the Standard of Franchise

according to rating from 87. to 57. is defeated by 142 to 90-On the Third

Reading being moved, an animated opposition is manifested, but it is

carried by 254 to 186-In the House of Lords the Earl of Desart proposes

to raise the Standard of Franchise from 87. to 157.-Speeches of the Bishop

of Down, Lords Stanley, Wharncliffe, Mountcashell, and Brougham, the

Earls of Shrewsbury and Carlisle, Earl Fitzwilliam, and the Marquess of

Lansdowne The Amendment is carried against Ministers by 72 to 50-

Lord Stanley then proposes and carries an Amendment affecting the

Registration Clauses, by a majority of 16-On the Amendments coming

down to the House of Commons for consideration, Lord John Russell

moves the House to accede to a 127. Franchise as a compromise, and to

reject the Registration Amendment-The House after a debate adopts

that course-The Lords eventually consent to the alteration fixing the

Franchise at 127. and to restore the Registration Clauses as before-The

Bill

John Russell moves to introduce a Bill for that purpose-His Speech-

Remarks of Mr. Grattan, Mr. Grogan, Mr. Fagan, Mr. Reynolds, Mr. B.

Osborne, and other Members-Leave given-Debate on the Second Reading

-Several Irish and other Members vehemently oppose the Bill-The

Debate is adjourned, and important Speeches are delivered by Sir Robert Peel, Sir George Grey, Mr. Sheil, Mr. Disraeli, Sir R. Inglis, and other leading Members The Second Reading is carried by a majority of 225, but the measure is ultimately thrown over to the following Session. CONFLICT AT CASTLE WELLAN-Lord Stanley brings forward a Motion in the House of Lords demanding an investigation into this affair, and arraigning the Irish Policy of the Government-His Speech-The Earl of Clarendon defends his own Administration at great length-Speeches of the Earl of Roden, Earl of Winchilsea, Lord Brougham, and other Peers-The Motion for Papers is acceded to without opposition .

· [95

FINANCE The Budget is introduced by the Chancellor of the Exchequer on the 15th of March-Favourable condition of the Public Revenue-Effects of reduced Taxation on necessaries of life-Proposed reduction of the Stamp Duties and repeal of the Brick Tax-Reception of the BudgetRemarks of Mr. Hume, the Marquess of Granby, Mr. Newdegate, Mr. Henry Drummond, Mr. Bankes, and other Members--Progress of the Financial Arrangements-Difficulty found in adjusting the details of Stamp DutiesDefeat of the Government on an Amendment moved by Sir H. Willoughby -Two Bills withdrawn in succession-Mr. Mullings suggests alterations which are mainly adopted-The Stamp Duties Reduction and Brick Duties Repeal Bills are ultimately passed-Various Motions in favour of Retrenchment and reduction of Taxation-Mr. Henley gives notice of a Motion for reduction of Official Salaries-Lord John Russell anticipates the Motion by proposing the appointment of a Select Committee for the same object -Speech of Lord John Russell on that occasion-Mr. Disraeli moves an Amendment Speeches of Mr. Hume, Mr. Henley, Lord H. Vane, Mr. Cockburn, Mr. Herries, Mr. Bright, Mr. H. Drummond, and the Chancellor of the Exchequer Lord J. Russell's Motion is carried by a majority of 91.Mr. Horsman moves that the inquiry be extended to Ecclesiastical Incomes-The Motion is opposed by Sir George Grey, and rejected by 208 to 95. MoTIONS IN FAVOUR OF RETRENCHMENT-Mr. Cobden moves Resolutions on the 8th of March pledging the House to reduction of Expenditure-He is answered by Mr. Labouchere Speeches of Mr. Spooner, Mr. Hume, Mr. Herries, Mr. M. Gibson, Mr. Henley, and Lord John Russell-Majority of 183 against Mr. Cobden's Resolutions-Mr. Henry Drummond, on the 13th of March, brings forward another Motion in favour of Economy-His Resolution is seconded by Mr. Cayley, supported by Mr. Newdegate, Mr. Stafford, Lord John Manners, Mr. Bennett, and other Agricultural Members, and opposed by Mr. F. Maule, Sir Robert Peel, Mr. Labouchere, Mr. Bright, and Lord John Russell The Motion is negatived by 190 to 156. REPEAL OF THE WINDOW DUTY-Moved by Lord Duncan-His Speech-Answer of the Chancellor of the Exchequer-Speeches of Sir G. Pechell, Sir Benjamin Hall, Lord Dudley Stuart, and Mr. Hume, in favour of the Motion, which is rejected by a narrow majority of 80 against 77-Motion of Mr. Cayley for Repeal of the Malt Tax-His Speech-Mr. Christopher seconds the Motion-The Chancellor of the Exchequer opposes it-Speeches of Mr. Henry Drummond, Mr. Bass, Mr. M. Gibson, Mr. Spooner, Mr. Hodges, Mr. J. Wilson, Mr. Disraeli, and Lord John Russell The Motion is lost by 247 against 123 .

.

CHAPTER VI.

[116

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES ECCLESIASTICAL APPEALS BILL-Occasion of this Measure The Bishop of London introduces a Bill for creating a new tribunal in lieu of the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council on Church

Questions Speech of the Bishop on moving the Second Reading-The

Bill is opposed on the part of the Government by the Marquess of Lans-

downe, Lord Brougham, the Bishop of St. David's, Lord Campbell, the Earl

of Harrowby, and the Earl of Carlisle, and supported by the Duke of

Cambridge, Lord Lyttelton, and the Bishop of Oxford-The Second Reading

is negatived by 84 to 51. REFORM OF THE UNIVERSITIES Mr. Heywood

moves an Address to the Crown, to issue a Commission of Inquiry into the

State of the Universities of Oxford, Cambridge, and Dublin-Sir R. H.

Inglis opposes the Motion on behalf of Oxford, and Mr. Napier on behalf of

Trinity College, Dublin-Lord John Russell surprises the House by inti-

mating the intention of Government to concede the Commission-Remarks

of Mr. Goulburn, Mr. Roundell Palmer, and other Members-The Debate

is adjourned-Incidental discussions on the subject in the House of Lords

-Declaration of the Duke of Wellington-Remarks of Lord Monteagle,

and assurance given by Lord Carlisle, as to the intended constitution of

the Commission-Resumption of the Debate on Mr. Heywood's Motion-

Speeches of Mr. Roundell Palmer, Mr. Gladstone, Mr. Law, and Lord John

Russell-A division takes place, which results in a majority of 22 in

favour of the Commission. ALTERATION OF THE LAW of MARRIAGE—

Mr. Stuart Wortley revives his Bill of the preceding Session for legalising

Marriages within certain degrees of affinity-The introduction of the Bill

is opposed, but without success-Debate on the Second Reading-Speeches

of Mr. A. B. Hope, Mr. Sidney Herbert, Mr. Roebuck, Mr. Roundell Palmer,

Lord Mahon, Mr. Cockburn, Mr. Sheil, Mr. Cobden, and Mr. Goulburn-

The Second Reading is passed by a majority of 52-The committal of the

Bill is opposed by Mr. Divett, and carried by a majority of 2 only-Various

Amendments are proposed without success-The Bill is passed, but is

ultimately withdrawn in the House of Lords, at the End of the Session,

by Earl St. Germans. SUNDAY LABOUR IN THE POST OFFICE-Motion by

Lord Ashley, to discontinue the delivery of letters on Sunday, is carried

against the Government by 93 to 68—The alteration is soon after carried

into effect, but excites much controversy and dissatisfaction-After it has

been in operation a few weeks, Mr. Locke moves an Address to the Crown,

praying for a reconsideration of the Order-Mr. Roebuck seconds the

Motion-Lord Ashley strongly opposes it-After a Debate, the Motion, as

amended on the proposition of Lord John Russell, is carried by 195 to

112 The new regulations of the Post Office are shortly afterwards

rescinded. AMENDMENT OF THE FACTORY Acr-Circumstances which led

to further legislation on the subject-Lord Ashley moves for leave to

bring in a Bill to give effect to the objects of the Act of 1847-Various

discussions on this Measure-Sir George Grey, on the part of the Govern-

ment, proposes an arrangement by way of compromise between the Mill-

owners and Operatives-Lord Ashley accedes to the proposal with some

conditions-Amendments are moved during the progress of the Bill by

Lord Ashley, Lord John Manners, and other Members, for the purpose of

enforcing further limitations upon the hours of labour, but ultimately the

Bill is passed in the shape proposed by the Government-The Duke of
Richmond and Earl of Harrowby propose similar Amendments in the
House of Lords, but without success, and the Bill is passed. [140

CHAPTER VII.

DEATH OF SIR ROBERT PEEL-Occasion and circumstances of that melan-

choly event-Distinguished honours paid to his memory by the British

Parliament and by the National Assembly of France. On the House of

Commons meeting for the first time after Sir R. Peel's death, Mr. Hume

moves the adjournment of the House, paying a feeling tribute of regret