§ On the Motion that the House resolve itself into a Committee on the Polls at Election Bill, Colonel Sibthorpe moved that the House do adjourn.
§ The House divided—Ayes none; Noes 85; Majority 85.
§ The House went into Committee on the Bill.
§ On the 5th Clause,
Colonel Sibthorpeobjected to proceeding with the Bill. It was a decidedly Radical measure, most unconstitutional, and destructive of all order.
The Chancellor of the Exchequersupported the Bill, because it was calculated to preserve order and correct abuses at elections.
The Earl of Lincolnopposed the Bill because it contained no provision against intimidation, which was as great an abuse as corruption. The Bill which the hon. Member for Middlesex formerly introduced provided for the adjournment of the poll in the case of a riot. He wished a similar provision to be introduced into this Bill.
The Chancellor of the Exchequer agreedwith the noble Lord, that intimidation ought by all means to be provided against; but he believed that by the present law there existed a power to adjourn the poll in the case of a riot.
§ Clause 5 was agreed to.
§ The remainder of the Clauses agreed to, and the House resumed.