§ MR. WILLIAM JOHNSTON () Belfast, S.I beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury whether as on 28th February, 1855, Her Most Gracious Majesty, by and with the advice of the Privy Council, issued a Proclamation that Wednesday, 21st March, 1855, be observed as a day of solemn fast, humiliation, and prayer, for a blessing on our arms, and the restoration of peace, Her Majesty's present advisers will tender to the Sovereign similar advice that such a day may be appointed as was done during the Crimean War. [Ironical Nationalist cheers.] In putting the question may I ask you, Mr. Speaker, whether it is seemly that such a question should be received with jeers by hon. Members.
§ THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY (Mr. A. J. BALFOUR,) Manchester, E.In answer to my hon, friend I have to say that the precedent he quotes from 359 1855 does not seem to me to be applicable, and that Her Majesty's Government have not tendered to Her Majesty the advice suggested by my hon. friend.