§ Mr. F. T. Baringrose, and was 994 proceeding to bring forward an amendment, when
§ Sir R. Peel,who had just previously been called out of the House by Sir J. Graham, rose, amidst loud cries of "hear," and addressed the house in the following words, at least as nearly as we could collect them, for the right hon. Baronet's excitement well nigh overpowered his utterance:—Whatever may be the inconvenience to the public service resulting from delay, yet still I think it would be inconsistent with my duty, with my position, and I feel certain it would be unsatisfactory to the House, were I not, after what I have just heard, to propose that the consideration of the question now before us be postponed. I ought to premise, that the information I have received is so imperfect that I must repeat it with great distrust as to the entire accuracy of it; but, since I came into the Mouse, information has reached me that an attempt has been made on her Majesty's life—an attempt which a merciful Providence has rendered abortive; and I have reason to believe, that the assassin is now in custody; and he will, consequently, at as early a period as possible, be subjected to an examination. Under these circumstances—[Mr. C. Wood: Is the Queen quite safe] Perfectly so. I would, under these circumstances, suggest that we do now adjourn, and if this proposal be agreed to, the debate can be renewed to-morrow. My noble Friend the Member for Dorsetshire, has received a pledge of precedence for his motion to-morrow at five o'clock, but immediately after that is disposed of, the right hon. Gentleman's amendments can be taken. At present I do not think that, our feelings being naturally all so excited, we could pay proper attention to the subject; and therefore would suggest that, not only out of respect to our Sovereign, but from our inability, under the circumstances, to pay the requisite attention to the question before us, it will be better to postpone the debate, and I therefore move, that the House do now adjourn.
Lord J. Russell:I beg to second the motion. The excitement that we must all necessarily feel at the news which we have just heard, our horror at the attempt which has been made, and our delight that her Majesty's life has been saved, concur to throw us into that frame of mind which would prevent our paying- 995 anything like due attention to the matter before us.
§ Debate adjourned.
§ House adjourned.