§ Order for Third Reading read.
§ Motion made, and Question proposed, "That the Bill be now read the third time."
§ MR. E. P. BOUVERIEurged that it was too late, at a quarter past two, to proceed with the debate on this Bill. He should move the adjournment of the debate.
§ MR. DODSONthought the Bill had already received sufficient consideration.
§ VISCOUNT PALMERSTONwas of opinion that as the principle of the Bill was somewhat novel, and one in regard to which much might be said on both sides, the discussion could scarcely be taken at that hour.
§ MR. COLLINSsaid, it was utterly impossible for any private Member to bring forward a Bill except at that hour.
§ THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUERsaid, that his own seat having been made the subject of contest, he had deemed it more becoming to abstain from taking part in the discussion on this subject. There had been discussion on the details, but not on the principle of the Bill. The Bill introduced great novelties into the law, and it could not be discussed at that hour of the morning.
§ MR. HUNTsubmitted that if the Chancellor of the Exchequer had intended to oppose the third reading of the Bill, he should have given notice to that effect.
§ Motion made, and Question put, "That the Debate be now adjourned."
§ The House divided:—Ayes 27; Noes 34: Majority 7.
§ Original Question again proposed.
§ MR. AYRTONmoved the adjournment of the House.
§ MR. MOWBRAYsaid, the Bill had been amply discussed, and he hoped it would be now read a third time and passed.
§ THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUERsaid, he had no intention to move the rejection of the Bill, but he wished to have an opportunity of stating his objection to some of its provisions.
§ VISCOUNT PALMERSTONsaid, the Bill had been entirely altered in Committee, and it now embraced a principle unknown to the law and practice of the country. He thought, therefore, that an opportunity should be allowed for its discussion on the third reading.
§ MR. DODSONsaid, that those who had introduced the measure had great reason to complain of the course taken by the Government in opposing the further progress of the Bill after it had been so long before the House and so often discussed, without giving any notice of their intention. The Chancellor of the Exchequer, who represented one of the Universities, ought to have had his attention particularly directed to the Bill.
MR. BANKS STANHOPEsaid, that if the Government really wished to discuss the Bill, and not to burke it, they could have no objection to give a day for the discussion.
§ MR. BONHAM-CARTERpointed out that the point which the Chancellor of the Exchequer wished to raise was disposed of in the Committee by a large majority.
§ Motion made, and Question put, "That this House do now adjourn."
§ The House divided:—Ayes 25; Noes 33: Majority 8.
§ Original Question again proposed,
§ MR. FREELANDmoved the Adjournment of the Debate.
SIR MINTO FARQUHARexpressed his astonishment at the Government not fixing a day on which the discussion might be taken. By doing so, they would at once remove the whole difficulty.
§ VISCOUNT PALMERSTONproposed that the hon. Gentleman should put the Bill down for Wednesday week ["Oh, oh!"] and if he were unsuccessful in bringing it on then the Government would give him an early day. ["No, no!"]
§ MR. DODSONrefused to accept the noble Lord's offer. He would take any clear day the noble Lord could give him before Wednesday week.
§ Motion made, and Question put, "That the Debate be now adjourned."
§ The House divided:—Ayes 24; Noes 32: Majority 8.
§ Original Question again proposed.
§ SIR CHARLES DOUGLASmoved the Adjournment of the House.
§ VISCOUNT PALMERSTONthen offered Friday next for the third reading of the Bill.
§ MR. DODSONsaid, he would accept that day.
§ Motion made, and Question proposed, "That this House do now adjourn."
§ Motion, by leave, withdrawn.
§ Third Reading deferred till Friday.
§ House adjourned a quarter after Three o'clock.