§ Sir J. Newport moved, that the report of this bill be taken into consideration on Friday.
Lord Carhamptonobserved upon the origin of this bill, which was to be attributed to what was disclosed on a recent debate, respecting the conduct of an hon. member, the representative for Limerick. It appeared on that occasion, that the late custos rotulorum for the county of Limerick, sold the place of clerk of the peace to a boy, who was quite incompetent to perform its duty; that on the accession of the present custos, this boy became a man, and, capable of performing the duties of his office, was dismissed, not for any negligence or malversation, but on the principle of sic volo sic jubeo, stat pro ratione voluntas. Such an extraordinary proceeding naturally called for animadversion. But as to the merits of the bill before the House, it was by no means calculated to answer the end in view; for the robbery and peculation committed through the office of the clerk of the peace in Ireland, were of such a nature, as this bill had no tendency to remedy. He would on Friday produce a document, which he had no doubt would astonish the House, and suggest a measure that would save 50,000l. a year to the people of Ireland. He hoped the bill of the right hon. baronet, which really was not an honest measure, because it was not calculated to produce what it professed to have in view, would be so framed as to put an end to the system of exaction which had so long prevailed in this office.
§ Sir J. Newportsaid, he had no interest whatever in bringing the bill forward. He was not connected with any clerk of the peace in Ireland—but, as such a measure appeared to be necessary, he had fulfilled a public duty, in introducing it.