A scene of much confusion followed the division, Mr. Brad-
laugh returning repeatedly to the charge and claiming to take the oath, till the Speaker appealed for help, and Mr. Bradlaugh was, on the motion of Sir S. Northcote, ordered to be removed by the Serjeant.at-Arms. Much angry recrimination followed, and on Wednesday the dispute was resumed in a more moderate tone, Sir Stafford Northcote almost conveying,—or at least appearing to many to convey,—that he would not resist a Bill to give all Members a choice between an .affirmation and an oath, if it were introduced by the -Government, and not made the subject of any bargain with Mr. Bradlaugh, who, if well advised, would not attempt again to force himself into the House, against the decision of the majority. Mr. Bright made a very moderate speech, recommending this compromise,- which many of the Liberals who voted on Tuesday with Sir Stafford Northcote,Mr. Walter, for instance, if he counts as a Liberal, and Mr. Norwood,—expressed their willingness to accept. And Mr. Gladstone declared that if the Opposition Leader did not oppose the Bill, such a Bill as this might, he thought, 'he 'brought in by the Government. In the meantime, however, Mr. Bradlaegh is iu some danger of being made a bankrupt for the amouut of the fines incurred by him when voting in the House, and bankruptcy would vadat° his seat at once. The whole thing is a storm in a puddle; but the puddle is a muddy one, and a good many people have been bespattered by its turbid waters.
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