The Earl of Shaftesburybrought up the Report of Committee appointed to inspect the journals of the House on the forms of the trial of Peers, and also to consider the proper mode of proceeding, in order to bring James Thomas, Earl of Cardigan, to a speedy trial. The Report was not a final one, and he, therefore, begged leave to move, that the Committee should be allowed to report from time to time. The Committee had considered the matter referred to them, and had come to the following Resoulutions:—
1. That as a very considerable delay has occurred since the bill of indictment was preferred against James Thomas, Earl of Cardigan, it appears desirable, for the said James Thomas, Earl of Cardigan, should take place with all convenient speed.2. That as the destruction by fire of the two Houses of Parliament, renders access from this House to Westminster-hall inconvenient, reason aforesaid, that the trial should take place at the Bar of this House.3. That Tuesday, the 16th day of February, be fixed for the said trial, and that all the judges be summoned to attend.
§ Report agreed to.
The Earl of Shaftesburymoved, "That the Lord Chancellor be requested to write letters to all Lords to attend on Tuesday, the 16th of February, at eleven o'clock in the forenoon; and that all letters addressed to member of the Royal Family shall state that 'the House desire their presence.'"—Ordered.
The Earl of Shaftesburymoved, "That an humble Address be presented to her majesty, praying that her Majesty will be graciously pleased to give directions for the necessary fitting-up of this House, and to appoint a Lord High Steward to preside at the trial."—Ordered.
§ Adjourned