HC Deb 28 May 1863 vol 170 cc2076-7

Order of the Day for resuming the adjourned Debate [19th May] on this Motion.

THE O'DONOGHUE moved that the Debate be further adjourned to Friday the 5th of June.

MR. WALPOLE

wished to know whether it was likely to come on then?

THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER

said, that in the absence of his noble Friend (Viscount Palmerston), he was not able to state definitely whether any day could be given for proceeding with the debate. The business of the Session was, however, pressing, and he did not think there was such a general desire on the part of the House to proceed with the debate that the Government should give up the time at their disposal for that purpose.

THE O'DONOGHUE

said, that when the noble Lord at the head of the Government was in his place, he would be able to ask him if he could appoint a day for resuming the debate.

MR. MAGUIRE

thought that the Chancellor of the Exchequer was under a very serious mistake as to the feeling of Ireland on the subject, as there was a very general feeling in that country in favour of the principle involved in the Motion of the hon. Member for Swansea (Mr. Dillwyn).

MR. BRADY

said, there was a very strong feeling in Ireland in favour of the question being fully discussed.

THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER

explained, that he did not presume to say whether or not there was a strong feeling in Ireland on the question, but only that there had been no general manifestation of a desire in the House for a debate on it.

SIR HUGH CAIRNS

observed, that the postponement of the debate at so early a period of the evening indicated the little interest taken in it by Members below the gangway.

SIR PATRICK O'BRIEN

said, the speech of the right hon. Gentleman the Member for the University of Dublin, in which he spoke of the Church as the garrison of the English in Ireland, and as a badge of conquest, had excited much dissatisfaction in that country.

MR. WHITESIDE

retorted, that ample opportunity was afforded on the night when the discussion took place, and asked if his speech took the hon. Gentleman a month to ponder over.

THE O'DONOGHUE

said, that he only wished for further time, in order to give the Irish Members an opportunity to express their opinion.

Motion agreed to.

Debate further adjourned till Friday 5th June.