Lord John
Russell's Government would have opposed it at any time it might be
brought forward, and even with a better show of reason after than before
a postponement; inasmuch as the expenditure made in the meantime by the
Government, to stay the famine, would be a new argument against such an
outlay as Lord George's Bill contemplated. Moreover, the Irish members
had no claim upon his Lordship's courtesy When his Bill was ready, he,
in a most gracious manner, sent it to them for their opinion, before it
was submitted to the House of Commons. After it was some time in their
hands, they called a meeting, to hear Lord George explain its
provisions, which he did at much length, and with great force and
clearness. _He was then given to understand that the proposed Bill met
the unanimous approval, and would receive the united support, of the_
IRISH PARTY, _in the Upper and Lower Houses of Parliament_.[207] When
they submitted to be cowed by Lord John Russell's threat of
resignation--when they halted and vacillated, and at length changed, it
was too much to expect the noble lord would derange his plans to
accommodate such trimmers.
The following passage of a speech, delivered at a public meeting some
years afterwards, lets in the light upon the motives which actuated many
of the Irish members in their conduct with regard to this famous
measure: "I went into a certain room in London," said the speaker,
"where some thirty Irish members sat in conclave, after the intimation
from Lord John Russell that he would resign if the Bill passed the
second reading.
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