HC Deb 30 June 1807 vol 9 cc688-9

Mr. Sturges Bourne rose to complain of a breach of privilege, and spoke as follows:—It was my misfortune, sir, to have to trouble the house last night, in consequence of the foul and ignorant calumnies of which I have been for the last month so undeservedly the object, and which the editor of a Morning Paper has been so active in propagating; two noble lords over against me (lords Howick and H. Petty) in that manly and honourable manner which became their character and station, bore witness to my innocence, and declared me in their minds wholly exculpated. This part of the proceedings on that subject, so essential to my character, were suppressed by the editor of the Morning Chronicle, in the same spirit with which he has vented his libellous aspersions against my integrity and my honour. The house must be aware that I should now be justified in calling this person to the bar, but this step I shall forego, contenting myself with having thus stated the circumstances, which I thought it my duty to state, feeling, as I do, that no such misrepresentation of the proceedings of this house, should be suffered, and particularly in any question that involves the personal feelings and character of any of its members. In stating this, I feel that there cannot be in this house a man who more highly values the liberty of the press than I do, but the house will see that those who so abuse it are its worst enemies. I shall take no further proceedings in this case, but if a similar one should occur, in that or any other paper, I shall feel it my duty to enforce the standing order of the house.