THE MARQUESS OF NORMANBYsaid, perhaps their Lordships would allow him 180 to correct an extraordinary misapprehension which had occurred the other night in "another place" with reference to a matter of very great importance, namely, the character and constitution of the recent elections in Italy. He was happy to say he was in a position to give a contradiction to that statement from official papers. The statement to which he referred was made by an hon. Gentleman, he had no doubt, in perfect sincerity and good faith—the hon. Member for Birmingham (Mr. Bright). The statement was made in the presence of the Foreign Secretary, and ought to have been immediately corrected by him. But as the noble Lord had not done so, he (the Marquess of Normanby) thought it rather important that the contradiction should go forth as soon as possible. That was the reason why he now made this explanation to their Lordships. As far as he understood the statement as it was reported—
§ EARL GRANVILLEinterposed, and said that if the noble Marquess wished to make a personal explanation, his course would not be irregular; but to enter into details regarding a speech made in the other House of Parliament was most irregular.
THE MARQUESS OF NORMANBYsaid, he was in the hands of the House. He did not wish to do anything which might be irregular. He was about to show, from documents before the public, that at that moment a very erroneous impression prevailed, which might have been corrected at the time and place where it was conveyed; but, he must add, that they had been disregarded to an equal extent by one or other of their Lordships almost every night during last Session.
THE LORD CHANCELLORsaid, that the noble Marquess, in making an explanation respecting matters which had occurred elsewhere, in which he was not personally interested, and which might call for an answer in the other House of Parliament, was acting in direct violation of the rules of their Lordships' House.
THE MARQUESS OF NORMANBYsaid, he did not wish to raise any debate. He should of course bow to the strict Orders of the House as laid down by the noble and learned Lord and the noble Earl opposite; but should take the opportunity of the Motion for Adjournment, to state the fact, which ought to be known, without alluding to what had passed "elsewhere."
§ EARL GREYsaid, that the irregular practice of referring to debates and speeches 181 made in the other House is becoming far too common, and their Lordships ought to check the practice which they must see was highly inconvenient as well as irregular. When the conduct of any noble Lord had been adverted to or impugned "elsewhere," it was sometimes impossible to avoid reference to the debates of the House of Commons; but in this case, where no question whatever was before their Lordships, to address the House for the purpose of correcting a mistake stated to have been made in the other House, did appear to him to push irregularity beyond all reasonable limits.
§ On the Motion for Adjournment,
THE MARQUESS OF NORMANBYsaid, if any person "elsewhere" had conveyed the impression that the present elections are conducted in electoral districts giving to the population the most extended right of voting equivalent to manhood suffrage, that person had been grievously deceived, as, in point of fact, the franchise was much more restricted and partial than in any county or borough in England.