ouse in order," and prepare to meet the coming storm--to consider
seriously what would be the opinion of the country should a measure on
which the nation had fixed its hopes be defeated by their votes. They
were the ministers of peace; he hoped that the result of their votes
would be such as might tend to the tranquillity, peace, and happiness
of the country. Earl Grey concluded his speech by saying that he
was prepared to stand or fall by this measure; the question of his
continuance in office for one hour would depend on the prospect of
being able to carry through that which he considered important to the
tranquillity, safety, and happiness of the country. Lord Wharncliffe
addressed the house against the measure, defending nomination, not
because it was made by peers or other influential individuals, but
because its effect in the house of commons was that it acted as a check
on those places which were popularly represented. He further argued,
that if a house of commons were once elected on the principles of this
bill, it would cramp the crown in the exercise of its prerogatives, and
create a body in that house so irresistible as to make their lordships'
decisions on all public questions a dead letter. The house of commons
would become too much the image of the people. The dangers, indeed,
which at this moment surrounded their lordships proved the accuracy of
his argument. They had now a popular house of commons--a delegate house
of commons; that house had passed this measure, and their lordships
were told that nothing was left for them but to record and register the
decree of the house of commons. He moved, therefore, that "this bill
be rejected." Lords Mulgrave and Mansfield followed..... the former
in support of, and the latter against the bill. After which Lord
Wharncliffe, lest his motion should be interpreted as an insult to the
house of commons, begged leave to withdraw his motion, and to propose in
its stead that the bill be read a second time that day six months. After
some discussion this alteration was allowed, and the debate was resumed
by Lord Winchilsea, who opposed the bill. Lord Melbourne supported the
measure, and the Duke of Wellington opposed it. After some introductory
remarks, the duke referred to language which Earl Grey had uttered
concerning the house of commons in 1817. His words were--"Constituted as
it now is, I in my conscience believe that the house of commons is, of
all institutions, in all