The House refused to declare his seat vacant, and also refused to allow him to fill it, thus half-disfranchising Northampton, while closing every avenue to legal redress.

Mr.Labouchere--who did all a loyal colleague could do to assist his brother member--brought in an Affirmation Bill; it was blocked.

Mr.Gladstone, appealed to support the law declared by his own Attorney-General, refused to do anything.

An _impasse_ was created, and all the enemies of freedom rejoiced.

Out of this position of what the _Globe_ called "quiet omnipotence" the House was shaken by an audacious defiance, for on February 21st the member it was trying to hold at arm's length took the oath in its startled face, went to his seat, and--waited events.
The House then expelled him--and, indeed, it could scarcely do anything else after such defiance--and Mr.Labouchere moved for a new writ, declaring that Northampton was ready, its "candidate was Charles Bradlaugh, expelled this House." Northampton, ever steadfast, returned him for the third time--the vote in his favour showing an increase of 359 over the second bye-election--and the triumph was received in all the great towns of England with wild enthusiasm.