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 which he was incapable, denounced the factory system as having a tendency to produce murder and every atrocity. On Thursday, after Mr. Ferrand's slanders had received prompt and indignant contradiction, the debate was resumed by Mr. Boss, of Belfast, who showed the benefit that would accrue to Ireland from free trade. Mr. Beckett Denison expressed a high opinion of Sir Robert Peel's integrity, but could not follow him in his free-trade policy. Mr. Brotherton made a sensible speech, which told well on the House. Mr. Edward Cardwell, secretary to the treasury, spoke ably, clearly, and logically; and Mr. Villiers closed the night's debate with an excellent and closely reasoned speech, in which the position of the question was pointed out, and the helplessness of the protectionists exposed with great spirit.

The debate was resumed on Friday by Mr. G. Bankes, who expressed his hope that in another place (the Lords) such delay might take place as would allow the constituencies speak out. Mr. B. Escott supported the motion, and Captain Gladstone opposed it. Mr. Cobden told the monopolists that the majority in that House would be against them; and that it would be increased by an appeal to to the constituencies:—

"You want a dissolution in order to ascertain the opinion of the country. Have you ever thought, or considered, or defined what the opinion of the country means? (Hear.) Do you think it means a numerical majority of this House? We shall have that to-night. (Loud cheers.) You are not satisfied with that. (Hear, hear.) You are preaching the democratic doctrine, that this question must he referred to the people. (Hear, and a laugh.) Now, I want to have well defined what you mean by public opinion. You will perhaps say, 'We will abide by the decision of a numerical majority of this House returned at another general election,' and you will consider that the decision of the country. Well, I totally disagree with all those who believe for a moment that you would obtain a numerical majority in this House in the event of a dissolution. (Hear, and cheers.) I ought to know as much about the state of the representation of this country, and of the registration, as any man in the House. (Hear, and cheers.) Probably