A REQUEST AND ITS ANSWER.
T.xtu reply made to the House of Commons, in the name of the Queen, on the subject of colonization, is remarkable for something more than mere laxity of phrase. On the 1st of June, the Corn- muss passed this resolution, nemine contradieente-
"- That an humble address be presented to her Majesty, praying that she will 'h&c into her most gracious consideration the means by which colonization may Jut made subsidiary to other measures for the improvement of the social condi- tion of Ireland; and by which, consistently with full regard to the interests of the Colonies themselves, the comfort and prosperity of those who emigrate may 14.effectually promoted."
The main purport of this resolution is unmistakeable : it calls upon the Executive Government to add colonization to the list of measures for the relief of Ireland ; and, in developing; his propo- sition, Lord Lincoln made it turn entirely on the needs of Ireland. Now what is the reply which Lord Grey prepared for the Sove- reign ? It runs thus-
" I have taken into consideration the address of my faithful Commis. I am imply sensible of the advantages that may be derivedfrom the adoption of fur- tier measures for promoting colonization; and I shall direct that such further inquiries shall be made as may enable Parliament to adopt such a course free from *we eyils which precipitate legislation on this subject might cause both to emi- vanes and the Colonies."
We will not stop to comment on the vague admission of a sense that advantages "may be derived from the adoption of measures for promoting"; nor upon the implication that Parliament, and Lord Lincoln, and Sir Robert Peel, must be gravely restrained Dom "precipitate legislation," to which Lord Grey finds them an so prone : but we simply point out the curious fact, that the answer makes no allusion to Ireland; and that it accords no pro- mise to consider the means by which colonization may be made available, but only promises to inquire for the edification of Par- liament. We fear more than ever that our anticipation will be confirmed—that Lord Grey thinks to put off the faithful Com- mons with a didactic blue book.
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