MR. PLIMSOLL AND THE HOUSE OF COMMONS.

Globe, Volume IV, Issue 392, 14 September 1875, Page 3

MR. PLIMSOLL AND THE HOUSE OF COMMONS.

There was a scene in the House of Commons, caused by a violent speech by Plimsoll. He first earnestly implored the Government not to send thousands of persons to undeserved and unhallowed graves through the conduct of shipowners of murderous tendencies. Upon being called to order, he advanced to the table and gave notice that he would ask on Tuesday next, whether certain vessels which had been lost, entailing great sacrifice of life, belonged to Mr Bates, member for Plymouth. Plimsoll added that he was determined to unmask the villams. In replv to the Speaker, he said he applied that expression to member* of the House, and refused to withdraw it. Sullivan, after Plimsoll had left the Chamber, apologetically hinled that he was momentarily insane. Mr Bates subsequently made a personal explanation in regard to the remarks of Plimsoll concerning himself. He acknowledged that he had lost four or five ships during the last two years, but said they were well equipped and classed A No 1 at Lloyd’s, and were only insured for a part of their value. He expressed pity for Plimsoll, who, he said, was not responsible for his actions. Smith and Rathbone protested against the Government course, and declared that the suspense and uncertainty which would be produced by the withdrawal of the Merchants’ Shipping Bill would be injurious to the shipping interests. The protest placed by Mr Plimsoll on the table of the House last night says :—“I protest, in the name of God, against the delay of the Shipping Bill. Although the Bill itself is an atrocious shame, there is enough humanity and knowledge in the House to change it into a good measure.” He denounces the present laws against breach of contract which leave sailors who have unknowingly agreed to sail in nnseaworthy ships the alternatives of gaol or death, and continues —“ I charge the Government with wittingly and unwittingly playing into the hands of maritime murderers inside and outside the House, to secure the continuance of the present murderous system. I desire to unmask the villains who sit in ’this House, fit representatives of the more numerous but not greater villains outside. I demand that the Bill be proceeded with. Failing in this, I lay upon the hands of the Premier and his colleagues the blood of all who may perish next winter from preventable causes, and denounce against him and them the wrath of God.”