Page:History of merchant shipping and ancient commerce (Volume 3).djvu/274

 when they gloried in the soldiers and the sailors who maintained the greatness of the nation throughout the world; when the noblest credo that they had was "Rule Britannia!" and when the finest anthem in their ritual was "God save the Queen!"

After this protracted debate, Mr. Labouchere rose to reply. He went over the chief points urged against repeal, and asked for no vote in favour of it but from those who admitted the propriety of a departure from the system of the Navigation Laws. He was ready to consider any suggestions, in reference to the details, provided they were not inconsistent with the principle of the Bill. He saw no reason why the present retention of the timber duties should operate as a bar to the immediate repeal of the Navigation Laws. He opposed Mr. Gladstone's views as narrow and erroneous, and contrary to the true policy of the country. Our commercial policy should not be made to depend upon the views and caprices of foreign States.

The House at length divided, when there appeared for Mr. Herries' amendment (that the Bill be read a second time that day six months)    210 Against it     266 Majority in favour of the Bill   56

It will be remembered that the opinion of the House in favour of an extensive change in the Navigation Laws was carried in a House of only 411 members by a majority of 117 members. Now, after a year's reflection, we find that in a House of 476 members, the majority of 117 had dwindled down to 56!