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CHAPTER IV.

SCENES IN THE HOUSE.

SCENES of confusion and uproar are of comparatively rare occurrence in the Upper House. In the Commons they are almost regarded as matters of course. I have sometimes seen six or seven decidedly rich ones, in the Lower House, in the course of one debate. In the Lords there is not, on an average, the same number in the course of a session. Were the Marquis of Londonderry and Lord Brougham absent, I believe an entire session might pass over without one; for I have scarcely seen any thing worthy of the name of a scene occur in the House for the last few years without either or both of these noblemen taking a conspicuous part in it. One very extraordinary scene occurred in April, 1831, on occasion of the King's dissolving Parliament. Not having been in the House while this extraordinary scene was being enacted, I am not able to describe it from

my own observation, but must take the account as it appeared in The Times newspaper of the following day, making such slight alterations in it as are necessary in converting it from the third to the first person.

The

Their Lordships met at three o'clock. House was crowded in every part. The Lord Chancellor having, as was understood, left the Woolsack for the purpose of receiving his Majesty, whose arrival had been announced by the firing of the Park guns, and the cheers of the multitude assembled outside the House,

The Earl of Mansfield rose and said:-I move that the Earl of Shaftesbury do take the chair pro tempore.

The Earl of Shaftesbury took his seat on the Woolsack.

Lord Wharncliffe.-I believe there can be no doubt on your Lordships' minds as to the purpose for which we have this day met.

The Duke of Richmond rose amidst the greatest confusion.-I rise to order. Some noble Lords are not in their places. I move the standing order of the House, that they do take their places.

A noble Lord.-I dissent from the suggestion of the noble Duke.

The Duke of Richmond.-I maintain it is a

standing order of the House that noble Lords take their proper places on such an occasion as the present, and if that order be not complied with, I will move another standing order, "That persons not members of the House be ordered to withdraw."

The scene of confusion which here ensued defies description. A number of Peers, in all parts of the House, were calling out "Order, order," at the full stretch of their voices, while the Peeresses who were present-of whom there were many in full dress—were greatly alarmed. In the midst of the scene a noble Lord, supposed to be Lord Lyndhurst, made some observations which were not heard.

The Duke of Richmond.—I have to complain of the use of such language as that which has just fallen from the noble Lord; and I shall move that the standing order against offensive language be read. (Renewed uproar, which it is impossible to describe.) When it had somewhat subsided,

The Marquis of Londonderry's voice was heard. He spoke in a very loud tone, and exhibited the utmost violence of manner. He said-I rise to order. I maintain that I am in possession of the House. I rise to accuse the noble Duke of bringing forward a very unfounded charge. I am not aware of any offensive language being used on this

side of the House which could provoke the remarks of the noble Duke.

The Marquis of Clanricarde.-After what has fallen from the noble Marquis, it is most desirable that the noble Duke should persist in his motion for the observance of the standing orders of the House.

The Marquis of Londonderry.-I call on the noble Duke to mention any offensive language which has been used by the noble Baron (Lord Lyndhurst). It appears to me that the noble Duke begins to think that he is to be the hero of the coup de état on this occasion, and that he fancies he can smother that feeling which is essential to the expression of the sentiments of noble Lords on this most extraordinary meeting. It appears to me that the noble Duke is endeavouring to set aside the right of Peers to declare their sentiments, by having recourse to so miserable an expedient as that of moving the standing orders of the House.

The cries of "Order, order," which now resounded through the House, were deafening. They were mingled with shouts of "Order of the Day,” during which

Lord Wharncliffe rose and said-Without wishing to provoke a discussion on the subject, I am anxious that it shall be entered on the Journals

of the House, that I, in my place yesterday, did give notice that I would move an humble Address to his Majesty, not to exercise his undoubted prerogative of dissolving Parliament. I now beg leave to read the address to your Lordships.

The noble Lord here read the Address, which was to the effect, that it appeared to the House, that under the extraordinary circumstances in which the country was placed, and the excitement then existing in the public mind, a prorogation or dissolution of Parliament was likely to be attended with the most disastrous consequences. (Loud cries of "Hear, hear," from the Tory benches.)

The Lord Chancellor at this moment entered the House, and addressed their Lordships in the most emphatic manner in the following terms:-" My Lords, I have never yet heard it doubted that the King possesses the prerogative of dissolving Parliament at pleasure; still less have I ever known a doubt to exist on the subject at a moment when the Lower House has thought fit to refuse the supplies."

Here there were tumultuous cries of "Hear, hear," mingled with shouts of "The King, the King," and tremendous uproar.

The Lord Chancellor having retired from the House to receive his Majesty,