Lord Folkestonemoved, that the order of the day for taking into consideration the petition of James Paull, esq. be now read.
§ Mr. Sheridanbegged leave to make one observation before the order should be read. He had heard that it was the intention of certain gentlemen, during the investigation, to insist upon the exclusion of strangers. He was aware, in an allusion of this kind, that he was not strictly confining himself within the prescribed limits of order,but his situation was a peculiar one; assailed in the most public manner, he earnestly wished that his defence should be as public. He was anxious not only that his conduct should be known to all, but that all should be enabled to understand the mean and perfidious calumnies that aspersed it.