LOCAL BURDENS ON LAND.
On the 19th of February, Mr. Disraeli moved for a committee of the whole house to consider the burden of the poor law and other local burdens borne by the land, and with a view to such revision as would relieve that interest. The debate was a renewal, under another form, of the protectionist controversy. Mr. Bright, Mr. James Wilson, and Sir Robert Peel, made very effective speeches against the motion. On a division, Mr. Disraeli secured a powerful minority, his motion having been defeated by a majority of only twenty-one votes.
PARLIAMENTARY REFORM.
On the 28th of February, Mr. Hume brought on a motion for the extension of the franchise. Like most of that honourable gentleman’s measures, this was as ill-timed as it was well-intended. Sir Joshua Walmsley seconded it. Mr. Roebuck, Mr. Fergus O’Connor, and some other members advocated it, who did not bring any parliamentary or moral influence to its support. Only ninety-six votes were given in its behalf.
IRISH DISTRESS.
The parliamentary measures concerning Ireland have been noticed under the section of the chapter devoted to its history, and therefore only require a passing reference. Early in the session Lord John Russell made a statement to the house concerning Irish distress, and proposed various resolutions pertinent to the repayment of loans, and the modes of dealing with insolvent “unions.” These resolutions were agreed to, and a bill founded on them was passed.