§ Colonel Evans rose pursuant to notice which he had given of a Resolution respecting the approaching Prorogation of Parliament. It had been said, that the members of his Majesty's Government required repose: it had also been said, that the Members of that House had some claim to repose; but he would tell them that the country required repose, and that nothing excepting a short Prorogation, the speedy assemblage of Parliament, and a settlement of the Reform question could give that repose to which the country was entitled. Under all ordinary circumstances he should, of course, not urge the re-assembling of Parliament before the usual time; but, under the present aspect of public affairs, he certainly should have deemed his Motion not improper, had he not heard from authority, on which he placed the fullest, reliance, that the meeting of Parliament would not be postponed beyond the first week in December. He certainly had not received this communication officially, but he had it from authority in which he reposed the most entire confidence, and he, therefore, did not at that moment think himself warranted in pressing his Motion. The deepest anxiety prevailed upon the subject—an anxiety increased by the constitutional anomaly of the differences subsisting between two branches of the Legislature. It was, therefore, with great satisfaction he found himself enabled to state, from a source on which he had full reliance, that Parliament would meet as soon as possible.
§ Lord Althorpthought it necessary to say one or two words. The hon. Member had stated, that he had heard, but not officially, that Parliament, would re-assemble in the first week in December. On that subject he (Lord Althorp) had not any statement to make. He should not feel himself justified, as a Minister, in making any statement. He hoped that all who felt anxious on the subject would do the Ministers the justice to believe that none could feel more anxious than they did for the settlement of that great question which now occupied all men's minds; and he trusted that the House and the country would place that confidence in Ministers which they had done nothing to forfeit. He hoped the country would recollect this—that the Ministers were entitled to credit for a sincere wish to bring the contemplated measure of Reform to a successful 926 issue. He was enabled certainly to say, that the prorogation would be of that length which was found most conducive to the success of the great measure of Parliamentary Reform. Ministers were pledged to that measure, or to one fully as efficient. Their labours were anxiously devoted to that end, and they would adhere strictly to those means most calculated to ensure that end.
Mr. Cutlar Fergussonwas glad that the hon. Member had withdrawn his Motion. It would be inconsistent with the vote of confidence in Ministers which had been so recently agreed to.
§ Mr. Ruthvensaid, he would rather place full confidence in the discretion and good faith of his Majesty's Ministers than agree to any such Motion as that of which the hon. and gallant Member had given notice. He hoped and trusted the country would feel no suspicion or mistrust of the Ministers. The assurance they had now received, ought to satisfy every reasonable friend of Reform.
§ Motion withdrawn.