§ MR. JOHNSTON (Belfast, S.)asked the First Lord of the Treasury, If the Government will advise Her Majesty to be graciously pleased to appoint a Day of Thanksgiving to Almighty God for the providential deliverances vouchsafed to the nation in 1588 by the defeat of the Spanish Armada, and in 1688 by the events which led to the establishment of Her Majesty's dynasty on the Throne of these Realms?
§ THE FIRST LORD (Mr. W. H. SMITH) (Strand, Westminster)I thoroughly respect the motives which have induced by hon. Friend to put this Question to me; but there are many memorable events connected with the past history of this country which afford grounds for thanksgiving by the people. It is impossible for the Government to recommend that a day of thanksgiving should be appointed with regard to each of them; and therefore I am unable to 760 accede to the request of the hon. Member.
§ MR. JOHNSTON, in consequence of that answer, asked the right hon. Gentleman whether he would advise Her Majesty to appoint a day of fasting and humiliation for the national ingratitude?
§ [No reply.]