§ Mr. Bathurstexpressed a wish that the further consideration of the report of the above Bill, which stood for to-morrow, should be postponed for a day or two.
§ Mr. Whitbreadsaid, that he, as well as others, was prepared to enter into a discussion of the merits of the Bill to-morrow; and, if it were put off for a short time, perhaps be should not be able to attend. He thought it should be postponed till after the holidays, if it were postponed at all.
§ Mr. Bathurstdid not see the necessity for so great a delay.
§ Mr. Whitbreadobserved, that if the assertion contained in the petition of Mr. Wright were true, that he could do away a great number of the allegations made against him by his opponents, sufficient time ought to be given to him for that purpose. Though the business might have been taken up with strong feelings of prejudice against Mr. Wright, yet he did not think there was any member of parliament but wished the real state of the case to be fairly investigated, and that everything which Mr. Wright had to state should be fairly heard.
§ Mr. Bathurstsaid, Mr. Wright had only desired liberty to contradict statements contained in one petition, that of Mr. Priest. If, by application to the House, or by any other means that appeared more likely to attain his end, he thought he could disprove the statements of his opponents, he might, of course, do so.
§ Mr. Whitbreadbelieved that a petition had been presented from Mr. Wright, praying to be heard by counsel, at the bar of the House, against the Bill; and every reasonable time should, therefore, be allowed him.
§ Mr. Bathurst then postponed the further consideration of the report until Monday the 18th instant.