Mr. Cokehoped that the House would allow him to read a letter which he had just received, and which referred to a subject, on which some conversation had occurred on a former night. The letter was to the following effect:—"My dear Sir; having Just seen an account of what passed last night in the House of Commons between Mr. Wodehouse and yourself, I have additional reason to lament the having been confined almost the last week to my bed with the gout, as it prevented my stating in my place in the House, that at your request I accompanied you by appointment to the lord chancellor's private room in the House of Lords, when every thing passed that you so correctly stated in the House of Commons. [Hear!]. Believe me your very much obliged; M. B. Folkes Mansfield-street, Thursday morning." The only gentleman who was not inserted in the commission, after his application to the lord chancellor, was the hon. G. Walpole.
Lord Castlercaghdeprecated the re-introduction of this subject to the House, after what had fallen from the Speaker on a former evening. He must however remark, that if he, as lord lieutenant of the county, had told any gentleman that he would insert in the commission of the peace any names which he would recommend, he should have expected, as a mark of personal civility, that they should not be left at the office of the clerk of the peace: indeed, if they had been so left, he should have treated them just as if they had been anonymous communications.
Mr. Cokesaid, that he did not see upon what grounds he could be accused of having exhibited a want of courtesy in this business. If Mr. Wodehouse had 890 shown him in private the letters which he had read the other evening to the House, he should have had no objection to have made a similar communication of this letter to Mr. Wodehouse; "but," continued the hon. member, "as Mr. Wodehouse [order], my colleague, did not show that courtesy to me, I do not see how it could be expected that I should show this courtesy to him."
Mr. Wodehousesaid, that the subject had been introduced into the House in consequence of what had previously occurred between his hon. colleague and himself. He had asked him, and he conceived it his undoubted right to ask, a question upon this subject. His hon. colleague replied, "If you doubt my word, sir, ask me any question in your place, and I will answer it." "Very well, sir;" replied Mr. Wodehouse, "I will." He could appeal to all within the walls of that House, and to all who had any ingenuous feelings about them, whether it facilitated any explanation to make it matter of discussion in that House. He had only to add, that he had felt no distrust of his hon. colleague's candour and firmness. All he had said was, that he should never again place his hon. colleague in the situation of making such an explanation, or put himself to the pain of asking such questions.
§ Mr. Tierneybegged to observe, that his hon. friend (Mr. Coke) had fairly and honourably answered all the questions, and refuted all the charges, which arose from this subject. When he had done so, up got the noble lord, and began to accuse the lord lieutenant of the county, against whom no charge had been made. It appeared quite evident, that the lord chancellor was unfortunate in his recollection, and that his hon. friend stood acquitted of all blame.
§ Mr. G. Lambspoke to order, as there Was no question before the House.
Lord Castlereaghregretted that the hon. member had not spoken to order earlier. He had only to observe, that he should have left his noble friend under a charge, if he had not stood up and made the observations which he had made.