otives and policy were utterly opposite to those of the mover.
The majority was large which rejected the postponement. Other modes of
obstruction less prominent were unattended by success.

In the lords the second reading was carried _nemine contradicente_.
Afterwards, Lord Brougham, who co-operated with Mr. Roebuck in the
commons, moved that counsel should be heard at the bar against the bill;
this motion was defeated. The Bishop of Oxford, who co-operated with Mr.
Gladstone in the commons, moved that the bill be referred to a select
committee; the motion was refused. The lords accepted the bill with
great reluctance, but continued to deal with it in good faith; they
amended it in various particulars, to which the commons afterwards
consented, and the bill became law.

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.

IRISH FRANCHISE BILL.

At the passing of the Reform Bill Ireland was not placed on an
equality with England, and this fact operated strongly in promoting the
disloyalty which h