Lords Sitting of 13 June 1809

SALE OF OFFICES PREVENTION BILL.
On the order of the day for the third reading of this bill,
Earl Grosvenorcomplained, that the table was loaded at the end of the session with a great number of bills, each of which was of infinite importance, but so crowded together, that it was quite impossible for any noble lord, if he possessed ten times the faculties belonging to our nature, to attend with care to them. Last night a bill of the highest importance passed sub silentio, though it contained clauses most obnoxious to the country, respecting which it legislated; he meant the bill for draining the Bogs of Ireland; a bill which was nothing more nor less than a plan for enriching private individuals at the expence of the public at large. He considered the measure to be the beginning of a similar project intended for this country. But he then gave notice, that if the like should be
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attempted, he would give it every opposition in his power. With respect to the bill immediately under discussion, he thought it highly improper that the sale of the places of the Band of Gentlemen Pensioners, and that of Commissions in the Army, should be continued. His lordship also adverted to the same principle being recognized respecting the sale and purchase of Offices in the Law, which he considered as poisoning the source of justice.
The Lord Chancelloraccounted for the crowded table, and the number of bills upon it at the close of the, session, by the number that the commons had passed at that period. But his lordship observed, that in all times it had been the same case according to the number and proportion of bills before them. As to the transfer and disposal of Law Offices, he believed there was not on record an instance where the patronage bestowed on the Keeper of the Great Seal had been abused, from the Revolution to the present hour, although that patronage was a main link in the chain that fitted each noble person who preceded him in office during that period, to have the personal means of holding rank consistently and suitably with others of their lordships. As to the sale of Commissions in the army, he was of opinion, that instead of injuring, it benefited the army by preventing the admission of improper persons to hold rank therein.
The Earl of Rosslyndefended both the principle and the detail of the bill, and supported it strenuously.
Lord Redesdaleperfectly coincided in the sentiments of his noble and learned friend, and contended that the Sale of Commissions under proper regulations, was rather beneficial to the army than prejudicial. It prevented adventurers from engrossing Commissions, and ensured to the army men of rank, respectability and consideration.
The bill was then read a third time, and passed.