§ Earl Stanhopepresented a Petition, which he said had just been put into his hands, from a person of the name of St. John Mason, complaining of oppression and imprisonment sustained by him in Ireland, during the administration of the earl of Hardwicke. The noble earl said he wished he had received the Petition earlier, as it contained some strong allegations, which he thought deserved inquiry; but he was in great doubt as to the best mode of proceeding at the present moment, it being now the close of the session.
The Lord Chancellorsuggested, that as no steps could be taken upon the Petition now, it would be much better to defer presenting it till the commencement of the next session.
§ Earl Stanhopeconcurred in the propriety of this suggestion, and accordingly withdrew the Petition.