§ The Speakerhaving taken the chair on his return from the House of Peers, said; I have to state to the House, that this House has been in the House of Peers, where the lords, authorized by his Majesty's commission, signified his Majesty's royal approbation and confirmation of me, as the Speaker of this House. I proceeded to lay claim, by humble petition, to all their undoubted rights and privileges, especially those of freedom from arrest for themselves, their servants, and estates; free access to his Majesty when occasion should require, and that all their proceedings should receive the most favourable construction. The lords, authorized by his Majesty's commission, signified his 9 Majesty's assurance that all those privileges should be granted, and confirmed by him, in as ample a manner as they had ever been confirmed or granted by any of his predecessors. I may now avail myself of this opportunity of again expressing the most thankful acknowledgments for the high honour you have conferred upon me. I know well how to estimate that honour, and I will struggle to deserve it. The House shall find me ever watchful and determined in co-operation with them, for the preservation of our privileges; not ours alone, but the privileges of all the Commons, and I implore of the House to assist me in maintaining a strict attention to all established rules and ordinances, not only as they are essential for the due and convenient despatch of business, but as they are most important safeguards for the property and best interests of the people. I have now to submit to the House, that the proceeding on which we are to enter, is to take and subscribe the oaths and declarations as prescribed by law.
§ The Speaker himself then took and subscribed the usual oaths and declarations; and was followed by numerous other members.