Lords Sitting of 24 April 1806

AMERICAN INTERCOURSE BILL.
Lord Sheffieldsaid, that in his opinion the papers now on the table did not sufficiently explain the nature of the bill now before their lordships. He had therefore to move for several others, by which the object of the bill might be more fully and satisfactorily explained. His lordship then proceeded to move for a long string of papers respecting the number and tonnage of the vessels employed in that trade at different periods since 1797.
Lord Hollandobserved, that the object the noble lord had in view might easily be ascertained from the papers already on the table. To prepare and produce the papers would, in his opinion, be only productive of much mischief. The papers, however, were granted; and lord Sheffield gave no-

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tice, that he should, on Tuesday next, move that the 2nd reading of the bill be deferred till Monday se'nnight.

IMPEACHMENT OF LORD MELVILLE.
Lord Walsinghamreported from the committee appointed to seach for precedents of proceedings on impeachments, the ceremonial proposed to be observed on the trial of lord Melville, which had been recommended to them for alteration. His lordship having read the report,
The Earl of Radnormoved to add to it, in conformity with three precedents of impeachments previous to that of Mr. Hastings, that the peers should remain in their places, and not depart from them during the trial on each day.—A long conversation ensued between lord Auckland, the earl of Radnor, lord Holland, lord Eldon, earl Stanhope, the earl of Westmeath, earl Spencer, the duke of Cumberland, the earl of Darnley, bishop of St. Asaph, and lord Ellenborough. Most of the above peers objected to the proposition, as tending by its strictness, to cause great inconvenience to the peers attending on the trial, whilst, at the same time, there was no doubt at all that that order would be preserved which the solemnity of such an occasion required.
The Earl of Radnorconceived that the motion ought to be agreed to, in order to insure that strictness of order which was requisite on a solemn trial by impeachment, but in order to have a public attendance at its discussion, his lordship moved to adjourn the debate till the next day, and that the lords be summoned. On this motion the house divided; Contents 9; Non Contents 15; Majority 6. The report of the committee was then agreed to.

INSOLVENT DEBTORS' BILL.
Lord Ellenborough moved for several Accounts of Prisoners confined for debt in the prisons of the Metropolis, at different periods; which were ordered.
The Earl of Moiraexpressed a wish that the 2nd reading of the Insolvent Debtor's bill, which stood for this day might be postponed till Monday se'nnight.
Lord Hollanddeclared his readiness to accede to this request, and moved to discharge the order, which was renewed for Monday se'nnight, and the lords ordered to be summoned for that day.
Lord Eldonpresented three petitions from certain mercharats and tradesmen of the cities of London and Westminster, and the Borough of Southwark, praying that the bill might not pass into a law.
Lord Hollandpresented a petition from the debtors confined in the county gaol of Leicester, praying that the bill might pass into a law.