The scene in the House at this point was a
very passionate one, and for a moment it seemed as if matters would go even beyond " booing " and hissing. The motion that Clause 5, though only half discussed, stand part of the Bill, was carried by 35 (324 to 289). The motion that Clause 6, establishing the Legislative Council, not one line of which has ever been considered, stand part of the Bill, was only carried by 15 (315 to 300); but Clause 7, establishing the Irish House of Commons, also never discussed, and con- taining "blanks," was passed by 36 (325 to 289) ; and Clause 8 (settlement of disagreements between the two Houses) by 32 (323 to 291). The House thus actually created the two Houses of the Irish Parliament without explanation or deliberation of any sort or kind. Yet these clauses raise such problems as the proper duration of Parliaments, and the whole question of Second Chambers. Unless the country is resolved to have done with government by deliberation, the indignation among the electors will he very great. A terrible blow has been struck at the right of free speech, and the ukase of Mr. Gladstone has been sub- stituted for an Act of Parliament. The Legislature hardly sank so low when it gave the proclamations of the tyrant Henry VIII. the force of statutes.
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