§ On the question that the bill be read a second time,
Mr. Bankessaid, he could not allow even this stage of the bill to pass without stating that he had great doubts whether it would remove any of the difficulties in the present system, and particularly that of litigation.
Mr. R. Gordonwished to know whether any more important measures than these would proceed from the committee on the poor laws. This was the second 1417 year it had sat, and many of its members had talked of their determination to search the subject to the root; yet after all, no radical measure had been recommended by them: nothing but bills of regulation had yet been heard of.
§ Mr. F. Lewisadmitted the imperious importance of the subject, and the necessity of some measure to stem a tide which threatened to overwhelm the landed property of the country. He had not abandoned his original intention; but this was a case where delay was not loss of time, or, to use the words of lord Bacon, it was fit "to wait a little, that an end might be sooner arrived at." The topic was one of the greatest magnitude; and before any definitive step was taken, it was necessary to consult the public feeling and opinion. Such a division of sentiment at present prevailed, that it seemed hopeless to begin; and those who had most devoted their time to the subject, were, perhaps, least disposed to act with precipitation.
§ The bill was read a second time.