HC Deb 12 August 1836 vol 35 c1211

Mr. Aglionby moved, that the Report of this Bill be taken into consideration.

Colonel Sibthorp

rose to propose an additional clause to this Bill; not that he approved of this Bill—on the contrary, it was repugnant to his feelings as a man, as a Christian, as a fellow-creature, as a neighbour, as a friend. It prohibited him from the practice of hospitality to his poor and distressed neighbours; but he would tell the Chancellor of the Exchequer with all his sacks of money, that, acting upon the precepts and following the example of his respected and venerated father, he would claim the exercise of hospitality as an hereditary right. He had as little occasion to exercise bribery at his elections as any Member in that House; and he would now declare that never, directly or indirectly, had he bribed the vote of any of his tenants in his own favour. His constituents knew him as a neighbour and a friend; and so long as they did know him as such, he should not be afraid of any stranger, however rich, or however gifted, who came among them to solicit their votes. The hon. and gallant Member brought up his clause.

Before further proceedings could be had the House was counted out.