HC Deb 02 July 1858 vol 151 c909

Order for Third Reading read.

Motion made, and Question proposed, "That the Bill be now read the Third Time."

MR. BERESFORD HOPE

said, he did not propose to prolong the discussion on this measure; but in justice to the many classes of men, and particularly of women, who from the highest to the lowest throughout England looked with horror and dismay to this Bill—a Bill which would produce confusion, jealousy, and heart-burning in thousands of families now happy and contented—a Bill which owed the support it had received to an agitation got up by a few paid agents, and to a system of petitioning the dodges and shams of which were even more transparent than was the case with most petitions — he could not allow the third reading to pass without taking the sense of the House on the subject.

Amendment proposed, to leave out the word "now," and at the end of the Question to add the words "upon this day three months."

Question put, "That the word 'now' stand part of the Question."

The House divided:—Ayes 100; Noes 70: Majority 30.

Main Question put, and agreed to.

Bill read 3o, and passed.

House adjourned at a quarter after One o'clock, till Monday next.