§ The MARQUESS of LANSDOWNE,having laid on the table the third report of the Ecclesiastical Commissioners, said—My Lords, I may as well, in laying this report on the table, and before I move the adjournment of the House, discharge my duty, by acquainting your Lordships that in the circumstances of the present moment, and after the failure of three successive schemes for the construction of a new Administration, Her Majesty, after duly reflecting upon the situation in which She was placed by that failure, has been pleased to call upon those of Her Ministers who had been recently in office to resume those offices, and to endeavour, at least, to carry on the Government of the country. My Lords, that step upon the part of Her Majesty was not taken without full and 1065 due deliberation; and I have the authority of Her Majesty to state, that having during the time She was so pausing had recourse to the advice and opinion of a noble and illustrious Duke—the most distinguished Member of this House—and who is now sitting at your Lordships' table—his advice and his opinion were in conformity with that step. Under these circumstances I have to inform your Lordships that Her Majesty's late Ministers have thought that they had no alternative but to undertake the task thus, of necessity almost, devolving upon them. Having made that statement, I may be permitted to add, what I am sure your Lordships will readily believe, that no person laments more deeply than I do the existence of those differences of opinion, which, it is obvious to your Lordships, and is well known to the public and the world, have prevented the construction of a new, a stronger, and a more effective Administration. If there were one wish that I could entertain as an individual more strongly than another, or if there were one thing which it would give me more satisfaction than any other, either in or out of office, if possible by any effort of mine to contribute to effect, it would be to put an end to any of those difficulties which have proved obstacles to the construction of that which I believe most desirable for the interests of the country—a strong and an effective Administration. The noble Marquess concluded by moving, that the House at its rising adjourn till Tomorrow.