§ Lord Henry Petty ,observing that it was the wish of government to obviate, if possible, the various objections that had been, made to this measure, and that it was intended to introduce several amendments for that purpose, hoped there would be no objection to the bill's now passing through a committee, pro forma, with a view to its being recommitted on Thursday.
Mr. Rosesaid, be should not object to the proposition, though he did not think that any alteration or modification would make it palatable, or fit to be adopted,
§ Mr. Wilberforcecoincided in sentiment with his right hon. friend, but this was a strong reason why he should also consent to the proposition made by his noble friend opposite to him. For so full of confidence was he in the grounds of his opposition to this bill, that he was sure the more the objections to it were weighed the stronger they would appear. The tax would branch, out into such a variety of ramifications, and affect such a variety of important interests, that it could not be agreed to allow the noble lord the delay which he asked, and he had no doubt, that the noble lord himself would be 1027 better prepared to discuss the subject at a fixture period and to perceive the force of the objections to it. He therefore gladly acceded to his desire of an opportunity of re-considering it. Those who opposed the tax would lose no opportunity of stating their objections. They would lose no stage of the bill, and might afterwards object to the Speaker's leaving the chair. They would in the mean time have an opportunity of gaining information on point which might otherwise remain doubtful, such as the drawback, &c. It was the interest of all therefore to accede to this proposition.
Lord A. Hamiltondid not think he should discharge his duty to that part of the country which he represented, if he did not enter his protest against the measure,
Mr. Vansittartobserved, that though he did not think any thing could alter the opinion he entertained on the propriety of the measure, yet he should be glad to have time for considering a statement on the subject, which was this day put into his hands.—The bill was then committed pro forma, and ordered to be re-committed on Thursday.