§ THE DUKE OF RICHMONDMy Lords, before I proceed to the task I have undertaken on the present occasion. I cannot forbear from alluding to the very great loss this House and the country have sustained since our last meeting. We have lost two of our most distinguished Members, who since Friday last have passed to their rest. My Lords, one of them was a noble and learned Lord who had attained probably the highest rank which it is possible for a layman in this House to occupy, and he had done so by commanding talent and great eloquence. The other was a man whom, for a great many years, I had the privilege and gratification of claiming as one of my most intimate personal friends, whose genial and social talents were such that his removal from among us will long be lamented by a vast number of sorrowing friends. My Lords, I do not think that on the present occasion it is right or proper that I should dwell further upon this melancholy subject. I should not have felt it just to myself if I had remained altogether silent.