Mr. Courtenaysaid, he understood that the hon. and learned member for Calne (Mr. Abercromby) would that evening attend in his place, in obedience to the, order of the House. He understood also that the papers which the House had declared to be breaches of privilege, had led to consequences likely to be of a personal nature, unless the House interfered. The privileges of that House belonged to the House collectively, and not to any individual member; and he trusted the House would intimate to the learned member; that whatever might be his views or his feelings on the subject, he must not take any step interfering with the proceedings of the House. There were many precedents of cases wherein the House had solemnly enjoined individual members not to make any breach of privilege a personal matter. He should first move, "that the resolutions of Tuesday last be first read." [They were accordingly read by the clerk.] He would next move, "That the said Letters having been declared to be in breach of the privileges of this House, this House enjoins Mr. Abercromby not to prosecute any quarrel, against any person, which may arise out of such breach of privilege, by sending, or accepting any challenge."
The resolution was agreed to nem. con., and Mr. Speaker was ordered to communicate it, together with the resolutions of the 9th instant, to Mr. Abercromby. And Mr. Abercromby having come into the House, and being in his place, Mr. Speaker communicated to him the said resolutions.
§ Lord Althorprequested the indulgence of the House, while he stated the circumstances which had prevented the earlier attendance of his learned friend. On Tuesday last, before the papers question had been submitted to the House, his learned friend had set off for Northamptonshire, to communicate with him (lord A.) on the subject. In consequence of that communication they had both set off for the North, with a purpose in view which it was unnecessary to state to the House. On their arrival at Ferrybridge, they found that the messengers from that House had previously passed through the town, and were then several miles in advance; and then they became acquainted with what had taken place in the House on the subject. They therefore found it was impossible to accomplish their object, 1635 as the order of the House would reach Mr. Menzies before them, and would place that gentleman in a difficulty. He (lord A.) therefore under all the circumstances, took upon himself to advise his learned friend to return, and attend in his place without delay.