§ Mr. Whitbreadrose, for the purpose of presenting a Petition from the town and county of Bedford against the proposed alteration in the Corn Laws. The hon. gentleman observed, he should not have said a word in presenting this Petition, had he given any opinion on the subject heretofore. He did consider now, however, from the inflamed state of the public mind, and from the alarm which had arisen, whether groundless or not, that the House ought to pause before they adopted the Bill under consideration. He had no doubt, that gentlemen, who had delivered their sentiments, either in favour or against this measure, were actuated by the same motive, namely, a desire to promote the public good. It was singular, however, to observe the feelings with which the conduct of the different members who had spoken on the subject were regarded. A right hon. gentleman not then in the House (Mr. G. Rose) was, for the first time in his life, placarded in various parts of the town, as the friend of the people; while others were assailed with anonymous letters, attributing to them the most dishonourable intentions; and he was himself told, he ought to be hanged for holding his tongue. For his own part he begged to state, that he was friendly to the measure, both as a grower and a consumer, from a conviction, that the interest of the one was inseparable from the interest of the other. From the expression of public opinion which had been witnessed within the last few days, however, he considered it highly expedient, that the measure should be deterred to another year, by which time the alarm that had been excited might be completely dissipated.
§ Mr. Stephencongratulated himself on the rare opportunity which was afforded him of agreeing in the observations delivered by the hon. gentleman. He did think, under existing circumstances, and from the great alarm which at present prevailed in the public mind, that it would be highly improper to precipitate the Bill before the House for prohibiting the importation of corn. The hon. gentleman had said, that some personal had told him he ought to be hanged for holding his tongue. He was satisfied that there was nothing in the hon. gentleman's conduct which called for such a punishment; but above all 1048 offences, that of holding his tongue was the last of which he could be accused.
§ The petition was then brought up, and ordered to lie on the table.