Excerpt from Speeches, Vol. 2
Gentleman in this House be convinced that the test proposed by my noble Friend be the best test - then, although he might be disposed to think that the sum of 5l. was too low - then, although he might be disposed to fix it at 6l., 7l., 8l., or 10l., I should say he would still be acting in a reasonable and Parliamentary manner if he voted for the second reading. For my own part, I believe, for I had not then the honour of a seat in this House, that this was the case in discussing another bill of great importance, the Irish Municipal Bill - the general principle of the bill having been approved of, it was read a second time with the support of many hon. Members, although several divisions were subsequently taken by them upon its details. Sir, I have no hesitation in stating, that I do believe that the evils which are to be apprehended from the restriction of the franchise in Ireland are greater than those which are to be dreaded from its extension. Sir, whether the test of my noble Friend should be adopted or not, I should see with satisfaction that a greater proportion of votes should be given to the large counties of Cork and Down. I think it better that they should have 8,000 rather than 2,000 voters, but whether they are to have 8,000 or 2,000, still I prefer the test of my noble Friend near me to the undefined franchise in the bill of the noble Lord. Sir, I shall at present not touch upon the question of the amount of the franchise - I shall confine myself to the principle of the bill, and it will be necessary for me to follow the example of the noble Lord, and look, not at my noble Friend"s bill alone, but also at the other bill that accompanies it on the table of the House. The case is certainly a grave and important one, for it involves a right which is the foundation of all other rights. Serious evils are admitted to exist with regard to that precious and important right; both parties in the State admit the existence of these evils, and both have come forward with remedies which are now lying on your table, and it is for the House to decide between them.
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