§ Order for Second Reading, read.
184§ MR. MACNEILL (Donegal, S.)I take advantage of the moments remaining to move the Second Reading of this Bill. Its principle is simply to assimilate the law in Ireland to that in England. Three times it has been before the House, and with the consent of both the Liberal and Conservative Parties has, on a former occasion, received a Second Reading. It is no novelty, and I shall be acting best for the interest of the Bill in the short time left by simply making the Motion.
Motion made, and Question proposed, "That the Bill be now read a second time."
§ * SIR C. LEWISIt is not quite a seemly proceeding to have this Bill flung before us, to be hurriedly disposed of without any explanation of its contents [Interruptions]. The Bill is of a very important character, and contains much in the direction of a political and social revolution. I do not know that the action of Town Councils in Ireland for the past ten years have been such as to induce us to extend the municipal franchise. In my opinion the disgrace of the municipal franchise in Ireland, is that it is too low, rather than too high. Hence it is we see Town Councils passing resolutions which dishonour the Constitution, insult the Crown, and do everything possible to bring about a state of chaos in which one party in Ireland delights. Never during the whole course of the discussion of this proposal has there been adduced the slightest evidence, by petition or otherwise, that the people who would be affected desire the extension.
It being half an hour after five of the clock, the debate stood adjourned.
Debate to be resumed to-morrow.