§ Mr. F. Kelly, in moving that this bill be read a second time, wished to say a few words in consequence of what had fallen from the Attorney-general upon the introduction of the bill. His hon. and learned Friend then stated it to be his decided opinion, that the benefits of this measure ought to to be extended to Ireland and Scotland, and in that opinion he (Mr. Kelly) entirely concurred. It having appeared to him also that at the time that opinion was expressed, it had met with the sanction of a great ma- 561 jority of Gentlemen who represented those two portions of the country, he had felt it his duty to cause two separate bills to be prepared, in order to extend the benefit of this measure to Ireland and Scotland. As the matter had been fully discussed on a former occasion, without, as it appeared to him, any objection to the principle of the present bill, he should feel it an unwarrantable trespass on the time of the House if he were to do more than move that the bill be read a second time.
§ Mr. F. Maulewould not oppose the motion, but would give the hon. and learned Gentleman warning of his intention to propose many alterations in the bill when in committee, upon which he should take the sense of the House. He was opposed to capital punishment in every case where it was not likely to be attended with a good effect as an example; because he held that it was not an act of vengeance, but an act which was resorted to for the purpose of deterring others from following in the footsteps of those who suffered the extreme sentence of the law.
§ Bill read a second time.