§ The house went into a committee on the Irish election bill. On the first clause being read,
28§ Mr. Maurice Fitzgerald expressed his opinion, that there was no necessity for hurrying the bill forward with so much precipitation, especially as it was one of the provisions of which the people of Ireland were utterly ignorant, and which went to disfranchise a number of individuals. He therefore moved, that the chairman do leave the chair.
§ Mr. G. Ponsonby seconded the motion, and said he would willingly attend the hon. gent. who brought forward this bill (colonel Bagwell), and give him every assistance in his power, to make the bill as perfect as possible, on condition that it should afterwards be printed, and submitted to the people of Ireland for their consideration, till the next sessions.—A very long and desultory conversation then ensued, with respect to the registry of freeholds, &c. in Ireland. The question, being, however, loudly called for, a division took place on the question that the chairman of the committee do leave the chair; on which there appeared, ayes, 19; noes, 35; majority, 16. The committee then proceeded, and went through the several clauses of the bill, in which several verbal amendments were introduced, and several clauses totally omitted. The report was then received, and the bill ordered to be printed and taken into further consideration on Wednesday next.—Adjourned.