Thomas Chambers, Esq., Q.C., M.P.

"I altogether deny the assertion that to legalize marriage with the sister of a deceased wife would injuriously alter the moral tone, relations, and comforts of domestic life, as regards sisters-in-law. Such a statement is a libel on English domestic purity—a slander, and nothing else—for which there is not the slightest foundation. It ought to be met with a peremptory and indignant denial."

"The grievance of the present state of the law surely deserves to be remedied. The best subjects are those who suffer most." "It is among the poor that these marriages principally occur, amongst whom they are the greatest blessing in a time of sorrow and domestic bereavement. The House of Commons, representing now the whole of the people more completely than it has ever yet done, has a right to speak in the name of the poor as it has never spoken before on this subject."