Mr. Bradlaugh had, no doubt not unintentionally, indicated to his enemies the only line they could take. It was his tactic, and a wise one, to force the House into the extreme measure of physical force. To do so was a fair retort from a Rationalist to his opponents. Northcote, complaining again of Mr. Gladstone's inaction, proceeded to move that "Mr. Bradlaugh, having defied the authority of the House, be taken into the custody of the Sergeant-at-Arms." Mr. Labouchere at once rose and said that he would not oppose the resolution, although he thought it a somewhat strange thing that a citizen of this country should be sent to prison for doing what eminent legal gentlemen on his side and an eminent legal gentleman on the other side of the House said he had a perfect right to do. He was interrupted by cries of "No, No!" He continued that he did not know whether honourable members opposite meant to say that the honourable and learned gentleman, the late Attorney-General, was not an eminent legal authority on such a point. That was the view taken by that honourable and learned gentleman. It seemed a somewhat hard thing that any one should be put into prison for doing what a general consensus of legal opinion in that House held to be his duty and his right. But, as the Prime Minister had stated, it was useless to oppose the motion, because Mr. Bradlaugh had come into conflict with a resolution of the House, whether that resolution were right or wrong. He, regretting as he did the necessity that had been forced upon the House, did not think he should be serving any good purpose in opposing the resolution, or in asking the House to go into a vote on this question. He believed himself that the sending of Mr. Bradlaugh into custody would be the first step towards his becoming a recognised member of the House. It is interesting to note that Mr. Parnell also spoke in favour of Mr. Bradlaugh, and said that, if Irish members voted for his imprisonment, {154} they would be going contrary to the feeling of their country. On a division being taken there were 274 Ayes to 7 Noes, and Mr. Bradlaugh was removed in the custody of the Sergeant-at-Arms to the Clock Tower.