§ MR. J. R. YORKErose to call attention to a Petition from the University of Oxford presented on the 9th of April by the Secretary of State for War. It had 122 signatures of graduates, Heads of Houses, Professors, &c.; but there was only one name signed to the Petition itself; the others, instead of being signed to the Petition, were on separate pieces of paper and attached to the Petition by a string, which was contrary to rule. There was, however, a greater irregularity, which was that the names of five of the petitioners from Trinity College were in the same handwriting. The attention of the Petitions Committee had been called to the subject, and they had reported on it; but, considering that the Petition proceeded from men of the highest intelligence, he thought it necessary to call attention to the matter in a manner likely to attract notice. He begged to move that the Order be discharged; but, if the House was of opinion that such a course was not required, he should not persevere with the Motion.
§ Motion made, and Question proposed, "That the Order [9th April], That the said Petition do lie upon the Table, be read, and discharged."—(Mr. J. R. Yorke.)
§ SIR CHARLES FORSTERsaid, that as no male fides was attributed, and as the irregularities were probably the result of want of acquaintance with the rules of the House, it would be an extreme course if the Motion were pressed.
§ MR. MOWBRAYsaid, he had not the slightest doubt that the Petition was bonâ fide, and he hoped his hon. Friend would not press the Motion.
§ Motion, by leave, withdrawn.