1865.] Palmerstoris Last Administration. 461 resolution which called for the immediate attention, which ought to involve the immediate action, of the Government. This, however, was the beginning of the end ; the subject, if touched at all, could be dealt with in one manner only. The debate on the resolution was adjourned, and was not resumed. In the meantime the usual remedy was applied to the Irish fever, a Peace Preservation Act being introduced. It was read a second time in the House of Commons on the 1 9th of June, by seventy-six votes to twenty-nine, and sub- sequently became law. On the eve of an election discussions on reform were inevitable. Although there were constant assertions by the opponents of reform that there was no enthusiastic demand for it, yet every party in Parliament had acknowledged its justice and necessity, and the majority of the constituencies were in its favour. When Mr. Baines moved, on the 3rd of May, the second reading of his Borough Franchise Bill, it was supported by Sir George Grey on behalf of the Govern- ment, but on the 8th of May it was defeated by 288 to 214. It was a curious exhibition, the responsible Ministry declaring their opinion that one of the most serious steps which a nation could contemplate that of amending the Constitution of the country ought to be taken, and yet allowing the proposal to be rejected as a matter of course. On the 1 6th of June Berkeley's resolution on the ballot was defeated by 118 to 74. Before either of these discussions had taken place, a voice was for ever silenced which could have spoken with power in favour of a concession of political justice to the people. Richard Cobden died on the 3rd of April, and the country lost one of the purest, wisest, and noblest statesmen who have ever devoted themselves to her service. He was the advocate of a foreign policy which would preserve an honourable peace, based upon a recognition of the rights of other nations. The treaty which he negotiated did not deal with the appor- tionment of spoils after a sanguinary contest, but provided for the friendly intercourse of two great nations on terms
