§ MR. GLADSTONEsaid, this was, perhaps, the time for him to make an observation on the course of the public business, particularly with reference to the Colonial Bishops Bill, which now stood for a second reading; and he wished now to state to 739 the House what he proposed to do with respect to the Bill. Subsequently to his having moved the second reading of the Bill, he had received an intimation that Her Majesty's Government intended to support the second reading, reserving any objections they might have till the Bill was in Committee. Yesterday afternoon, however, he received a note from his right hon. Friend the Colonial Secretary, intimating that he would oppose the second reading of the Bill. Under these circumstances, it became a grave matter for consideration with him whether he ought to invite the judgment of the House upon the measure this Session; and he wished to be allowed fourteen days to consider the question, when he would be. prepared to state to the House what course he intended to take. He understood, however, from his right hon. Friend, that the debate having been commenced, it was his wish, and might probably be the wish of others, to address the House upon it. To that course he could have no possible objection; only he hoped that the House would not think him unreasonable if he asked for the time he had proposed before he came to a decision on the course he should adopt.