HC Deb 01 March 1819 vol 39 cc739-40
Mr. Hutchinson,

in rising to present a petition from this gentleman, observed, that it would not be necessary for him to go over the same ground which he had gone on a former occasion when this question was before the House. He was the less inclined to this, because he understood it to be the general feeling of the House that there would be no opposition to his release. His wish was to conciliate all parties, and not to offer any thing which might prejudice the cause of the gentleman whose petition he was about to present. The petitioner expressed his sincere sorrow at having in any manner offended the House. At the same time he solemnly declared, that he never had any such intention. He, therefore, prayed that he might be released from custody.

The petition was then brought up, and read by the clerk. It was in substance such as Mr. Hutchinson had described it.

Sir Robert Wilson

hoped the House would consider the age of the petitioner and his ill state of health, and also that some days had elapsed since he had been committed to prison.

The petition was ordered to lie on the table. After which, Mr. Hutchinson moved, that Mr. Thomas Grady be forthwith brought to the bar, for the purpose of being discharged.

Mr. Bootle

Wilbraham did not intend to oppose the motion, but he would suggest, that the old usage of the House should not be departed from in the present instance. It was the practice on occasions similar to this to move, that the person in custody be brought up, not forthwith, but on the following day. Besides, if Mr. Grady were to be brought to the bar in the course of the present evening, it would probably interrupt the debate which was about to commence. He therefore suggested, that instead of the word "forthwith," in the motion, the word "to-morrow" should be inserted.

Mr. Hutchinson

had no objection to alter his motion as the hon. member had suggested.

Mr. Bankes

said, that unless it were meant that the petitioner was to to be reprimanded upon his appearance at the bar, he should feel it his duty to make a special motion on the subject.

The Speaker

conceived that the order for the prisoner's appearance at the bar, previous to his release, necessarily implied a reprimand.

Mr. Wynn

said, that to prevent any doubt upon the object for which the prisoner was to be brought up, it might be better to let the word "reprimanded" be inserted.

This was done accordingly, and the motion was agreed to.