HL Deb 08 March 1832 vol 10 cc1268-9
The Earl of Eldon

My Lords, in consequence of what has been said in another place, I feel it necessary to give you notice that on Monday next I shall bring forward a motion relative to the character and conduct of the individual who now has the honour of addressing your Lordships, and who for twenty-five years had the honour of sitting on the Woolsack as Speaker of your Lordships' House. My Lords, I have no other object in doing this than to set myself right in the opinion of my countrymen, to whom I leave it to decide whether my conduct, during the time I filled the office of Lord Chancellor, has been right or wrong. I have discharged my duty invariably to the best of my ability; and I will allow no man, unanswered, to arraign my conduct. Not seeing any of the Members of his Majesty's Ministers in their places, and as I think that certain persons ought to be present when I make observations of this nature, I will decline saying anything further at present, and content myself with giving your Lordships notice, that on Monday I will bring forward a motion with respect to the imputations to which I have alluded. It is not fit that I should say more at present, but I wish to let my countrymen know that I am content to apply to them for the opinion which they entertain of my public conduct.