In the Commons the debates were warm.

The House resolved itself into a Committee; and so great was the excitement that, when the authority of the Speaker was withdrawn, it was hardly possible to preserve order.

Sharp personalities were exchanged.

The phrase, "hear him," a phrase which had originally been used only to silence irregular noises, and to remind members of the duty of attending to the discussion, had, during some years, been gradually becoming what it now is; that is to say, a cry indicative, according to the tone, of admiration, acquiescence, indignation, or derision.

On this occasion, the Whigs vociferated "Hear, hear," so tumultuously that the Tories complained of unfair usage.