§ Order of the Day for the Second Reading read.
LORD DENMAN,in moving that the Bill be now read a second time, said, he had wished that the second reading might be taken silently and discussion put off, as in the case of the Party Processions (Ireland) Act in 1832; but, as that could not be conceded, he must observe that the case for women's suffrage was much stronger than before the Franchise Bill, which, as he moved it on December 4, 1884, in a clause to that Bill, was an imperfect measure without it. He wished to state that his objection to Resolutions was not confined to those in "another place;" because, in looking to see if Lord Hardwicke had made any speech on the proposed exclusion of ladies from the House of Lords, he found that both Lord Hardwicke and that excellent Lord Chief Justice (Lord Raymond) had both voted—in a majority—against a Resolution for dispensing with Hessian troops when no other Forces were available. He hoped that he had not damaged the cause of women householders by bringing this forward; and if he had needlessly troubled their Lordships he regretted it.
§ Moved, "That the Bill be now read2."—(The Lord Denman.)
§ THE LORD CHANCELLORhaving put the Question, declared that the Not-Contents have it.
§ The usual directions for a division having been given—
THE EARL OF ROSEBERYI do not consider that this is a proper method of dealing with this matter. I should not care to give a vote on this question, which is one of the greatest importance, without explaining my views upon it; and I, for one, shall leave the House.
§ [The noble Earl then withdrew.]
THE EARL OF KIMBERLEYI shall vote against the Bill, and for this reason—because I do not consider this is a proper time for raising the question. Therefore, I shall vote against the Bill, without any reference whatever to its merits.
§ On Question? Their Lordships divided:—Contents 8; Not-Contents 36: Majority 28.
§ Resolved in the negative.