§ Lord Holland moved the second reading of this bill.
The Lord Chancellorthought, that as this bill had come upon the House by surprise, it ought to be postponed to next session.
Lord Ellenboroughhad not the slightest idea that there could be an objection to the principle of the bill. During the late discussion, the general impression of the House was certainly in favour of the measure.
Lord Hollandreminded their lordships, that the principle of the measure had, in the late debate, been completely acceded to. There had been some doubts as to the form in which it should be carried into effect, but none to passing an act in substance the same as that before the House. He had introduced the bill, because it was his opinion that the majority of the House wished to grant the boon it would confer; that this was the 1470 time when the grant would be felt to be most gracious by him who was to receive it; and that the proposed manner of giving it would be the least objectionable to those noble lords who were disposed to view measures of this kind with jealousy.
§ The House divided: Contents 24. Not Contents 10. The bill was read a second time.