pass away. Mr. Horace Twiss took the same view of the question.
Lord Althorp denied the validity of the grounds of opposition relied
upon by the previous speakers, and, in terms nearly identical with those
used by Lord John Russell, advocated the measure. Mr. Hume declared
that, radical reformer as he was, the plan proposed had exceeded
his anticipations. Mr. Baring Wall and Lord Stormont used the usual
arguments against the bill; Lord Newark trimmed between its opponents
and supporters; and Mr. Macaulay advocated it on the strange grounds
that, being opposed to universal suffrage and revolutionary measures,
he felt constrained to adopt this proposal. Mr. Hunt, the radical member
for Preston, and Lord Morpeth, strenuously supported the motion, and
Sir Charles Wetherell most bitterly and vehemently denounced it. The
baronet's speech was one of the most eccentric pieces of vituperative
declamation ever delivered within the walls of parliament. He nicknamed
the bill "Russell's purge!" which afforded much amusement to honourable
and right honourable gentlemen on his side of the house, and was taken
up out of doors, the party throughout the country using it as if it were
expressive of something which ought to be considered very fatal to
the measure. Mr. Hobhouse replied with smartness to Sir Charles, aptly
quoting Hume's History of England for illustrations of his arguments.
This speech was effective on the ministerial side. Mr. Baring made a
heavy speech, which fell flatly on the house, and was replied to by Lord
Palmerston, who, in a most statesmanlike oration, reviewed the whole
question, defended the motives of ministers, and exposed the fallacy
and folly of the arguments on the anti-ministerial, side. This speech
produced a most damaging effect upon the opposition. Sir Robert Peel
revived the hopes of the latter by one of his most studied speeches. It
was, however, defective in temper, and although received with cheers
by the opposition, failed to convince any one that reform was either
the unjust or dangerous thing which he represented it. The speech was
specious, sophistical and acrimonious; its effect upon the country was
to strengthen the public prejudice against the anti-reformers. The
Hon. Mr. Stanley, secretary for Ireland, made his reply to Sir Robert
effective by illustrations drawn from the condition and wants of
Ireland, its yearnings for freedom, and the restrictions which were laid
upon the franchise. Mr. Cro