Page:History of the Anti corn law league - Volume 2.pdf/101

 general question; but this, after a long speech in opening, and five nights of subsequent discussion, was too much for the virtue of the house at between one and two in the morning, and they expressed their dissatisfaction by frequent and loud interruptions.

A length they divided—

This division marked some progress. An advance from 90 to 125 would have been little encouragement had it not been for the acknowledgment of free-trade principles, which promised their adoption in practice. The League was not discouraged by the formidable majority arrayed in favour of monopoly. Its hope was in the constituencies, and to their further instruction it resolved to devote its labours.