RESOLUTION OF WANT OF CONFIDENCE IN THE GOVERNMENT.
On the first day on which the house met after its temporary adjournment, Sir Robert Peel gave notice that he should move, on the 27th of May, this resolution:—“That her majesty’s ministers do not sufficiently possess the confidence of the house of commons to enable them to carry through the house measures which they deem of essential importance to the public welfare; and that their continuance in office under such circumstances is at variance with the spirit of the constitution.” On the day named the right honourable baronet introduced this resolution with a speech of considerable length and ability. The debate which ensued lasted five nights; in the course of which much was said for and against the motion. The leading speakers in support of it were Lord Stanley, Sirs James Graham and William Follett, and Messrs. Christopher and Sergeant Jackson; those against it were Viscount Morpeth, Sir George Grey, Dr. Lushington, and Messrs. Macauley, Handley, O’Connell, and Shiel. Towards the close of the debate, Lord John Russell denied that the motion was in the spirit of the constitution, and ably defended his own conduct and that of his colleagues in retaining office. Sir Robert Peel briefly replied; and on a division the motion was carried by a majority of three hundred and twelve against three hundred and eleven. After this division, Lord John Russell announced that he would state on the following Monday the course which the government should resolve under existing circumstances to pursue.