, Mr. Labouchere admitted that the method in contemplation was
not an agreeable mode of proceeding; but at the same time he argued that
it was the best which, under the circumstances, could be adopted. On
a division the clause was carried by a majority of two hundred and
sixty-seven against two hundred and fifty-seven.

The second reading of the bill was moved in the house of lords on the
1st of July by the Marquis of Normanby, who made some stringent
remarks on the conduct and constitution of the Jamaica assembly. On the
following day, after the order of the day had been read for going into
committee, Lord Lyndhurst moved the expunction of the first clause of
the bill. The opposition charged the government with a desire to subvert
the constitution of Jamaica, and to tyrannize over the colonists. Lord
Brougham made the question an occasion to vent his personal spleen
against the cabinet. The opinions expressed by his lordship were so
utterly at variance with those which he had so often uttered when
eloquently advocating the cause of the negro, as to betray his personal
motives in his opposition to the bill, and to lessen public confidence
in his justice and consistency. Lord Melbourne vehemently disclaimed,
on the part of himself and colleagues, the least desire to abolish the
Jamaican constitution, or to interfere with the rights of the people
either in this country or in any of the colonies. What they had done had
been done with deep regret and reluctance; and it was with the utmost
unwillingness that they made both the previous and present propositions.
On a division, the first clause was expunged by a majority of one
hundred and forty-nine against eighty. Lord Brougham then moved an
amendment to the second clause, limiting the power of the governor with
regard to the renewal of money-bills; but was prevailed upon to postpone
the discussion till Thursday, on which day, the other clauses having
passed, it was agreed that the report should be brought up. When the
order of the day for bringing up the report was read, his lordship
moved as a proviso, "that nothing herein contained shall enable the said
governor, with the assent of the said council, to continue or renew
any acts for the raising or appropriating money." This amendment was
strongly opposed by Lord Melbourne and other members of the cabinet, and
it was negatived without a division. The report was then received, and
on the 5th of July the bill was read a third