§ Mr. Sykes moved the second reading of this bill, being part of the general measure for extending the Right of Election for Counties to Freeholders of Towns which had been separated from those counties.
Mr. F. Lewisopposed the second reading, on the ground that it was one of most extensive importance; and that it was impossible that the parties interested in it could have proper notice of it. The magnitude of the change which it would introduce, and the great interests concerned in it, rendered it necessary that such should not be allowed in the same session in which it had been introduced at so late a period. He desired the House to reflect how much the interests of the distant county of Northumberland might be affected by it, and consider how impossible it was that the parties concerned could have such notice of its nature, as to be at this time prepared to oppose it. For his own part, he thought it would be a much better measure to give such freeholders the right of voting for the corporate bodies among whom they were stationed, than to give them the right to vote for the countries. But, at all events, he was satisfied that the another session, and moved, as an amendment, "that the 778 bill be read a second time this day six months."
§ Mr. Sykesrecapitulated the reasons which he had stated in favour of the measure on a former night; namely, that the Crown, although it had the separate counties, had no right whatever to deprive the freeholders of the elective franchise; and that this was merely a declaratory law, restoring to certain freeholders a right which had long remained dormant, but had never been forfeited. He proposed, however, that the bill should, at any rate, be now read a second time and committed; and then, if it were thought necessary, it might remain over for further consideration.
§ Mr. Joneshoped the hon. member for Hull would persevere in his measure, which was as just as it was important.
§ Mr. Stuart Wortleysuggested that the measure ought to be postponed till another session.
Mr. Calcraftsaid, that there could be no harm in allowing the bill to be read a second time, and committed, since gentlemen who thought it objectionable would not, by such a step, be in any way pledged not to oppose its subsequent progress.
Mr. R. Smithsaid, there could hardly be any objection to the second reading and committal of the bill, on a distinct pledge, that it should not go any further this session.