The American Intercourse bill was brought in and read a first time. On the motion for the second reading.
§ Sir W. Curtisexpressed a hope that the noble lord would take time sufficient to consider how this bill would affect the Shipping interest. He hoped the second reading would not be pressed forward rashly.
Lord Templesaid, that the house would do him the justice to believe that he had considered it in all its bearings before he introduced such an important measure into the house. He saw no ground whatever for the alarm which seemed to have been excited on this subject. But he did not wish to press forward the bill improperly, and therefore would attend to the suggestion of the hon. baronet, as far as respected urging it on rashly. He would fix Monday se'nnight for the second reading.
§ Mr. Percevalwas glad that the noble lord had yielded thus far, and he hoped that he would further relax and allow an investigation of facts; if it were for no other purpose than to remove the prejudices, supposing them to be so, which had excited the alarm to which he had alluded. When they could get at the materials, it would give them great satisfaction if they could come to the same conclusion to which the noble lord had come.
§ General Tarletonagreed in sentiment with the hon. baronet. He expected every hour instructions from his constituents on this point.
Lord Templereplied, that nothing which he had heard yesterday, or at any time, appeared to him to shew any occasion for enquiry. He agreed to the delay of the second reading till Monday se'nnight, but farther he could not go.—The second reading was accordingly fixed for Monday se'nnight.