The Lords had their field-night on the Ballot on Monday.
Earl Grey moved the rejection of the Bill, and was followed by Lord Salisbury and fifty-six Peers ; but the Duke of Richmond, the leader of the Conservatives, advised his followers to pass the second reading and make secrecy optional in Committee,—a dodgy and dangerous device. It was accepted, however, by several Peers, and the second reading therefore passed by a majority of 30. We have analysed the principal speeches in opposition elsewhere, but may mention here that the debating on the Government side was feeble. Lord Ripon produced well-worn arguments, Lord Kimberley stated Colonial precedents—which do not matter a straw, as Colonists cannot be intimidated—and Lord Hatherley only showed that the electors wished for the Bill, new Tory borough candidates usually accepting it. We think he did how th.x, but there is a mush etrong r bit of eiiderca. The 'louse A Commons certainly dislikes the Bit!. Consequently, as it has passed it, it has passed it under pressure from the constituencies.
