On the present occasion it was Mr.
Gresham's intention to follow his opponent at once, instead of
waiting, as is usual with a leader of his party, to the close of the
debate. It was understood that Mr. Gresham would follow Mr. Daubeny,
with the object of making a distinct charge against Ministers, so
that the vote on this second reading of the Church Bill might in
truth be a vote of want of confidence. But to commence his speech at
eight o'clock when the House was hungry and uneasy, would be a trial.
Had Mr. Daubeny closed an hour sooner there would, with a little
stretching of the favoured hours, have been time enough. Members
would not have objected to postpone their dinner till half-past
eight, or perhaps nine, when their favourite orator was on his legs.
But with Mr. Gresham beginning a great speech at eight, dinner would
altogether become doubtful, and the disaster might be serious. It was
not probable that Mr. Daubeny had even among his friends proclaimed
any such strategy; but it was thought by the political speculators of
the day that such an idea had been present to his mind.
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