§ CAPTAIN ARCHDALLsaid, he would beg to ask Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, If, in the opinion of Her Majesty's Government, the present tribunal for the trial of Election Petitions is a satisfactory tribunal; and, whether he will consider the advisability of endeavouring to frame Clauses in the Bribery and Corruption Bill which shall define the limits beyond which clerical interference becomes "undue influence," and which shall state the precise amount of violence required to constitute a "general riot" at an Irish Election?
§ THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUERSir, I hope to obtain leave to bring in a Bill on the subject of bribery, corruption, and undue influence to-night; perhaps I may induce the House to read it a second time on Thursday; and then on going into Committee my hon. and gallant Friend will have the opportunity of suggesting any clause he may deem advisable, if he thinks the provisions proposed by Her Majesty's Government are not adequately efficacious.
MR. GLADSTONEsaid, he was unfortunately not present the previous evening, when the business for Thursday was arranged. He therefore wished to ask, whether the first Order would be the Representation of the People Bill?
§ THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUERYes; there will be no disturbance of the arrangements made.