On Tuesday, Mr. Labonchere, in one of his most lively
speeches, moved the adjournment of the House over the Derby Day, which he did in the interest of a sacred duty which he hoped they would never forget,—the duty to themselves ; in the interest of the overworked officials and clerks of the House ; of the Quakers, who had a most important religions meeting on that day ; of Conservatism, which warned them, when all the most sacred institutions of the country were threatened, to hold fast at least to their amusements ; and of the Irish Members, who would be glad to defer all discussions on Irish affairs, which might now be resumed, when they were resumed, in an Irish Parliament. Mr. Labouchere declared that the recreations of the Derby Day were for the most part both sober and innocent ; at least, he had never seen any one drunk on the ground at Epsom ; and though
he knew how great was the influence of a vir pietate gravis in sobering others, he hardly thought that drinking would stop when he was present and would recommence the moment that he left. With much mock earnestness he urged the House, too, to enter into sympathy with the amusements of the people, and eventually carried his motion by a majority of 101 (251 against 150).
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