HL Deb 26 August 1833 vol 20 cc878-9
The Earl of Warwick

wished to take that opportunity of making some observations upon the charges which had been brought against him. He regretted, that circumstances would delay a full investigation into this matter, as it was his wish to meet these charges as soon as possible. He had received a letter from the noble Lord opposite on the subject of these charges, and he had at once returned to this country. He most positively denied the truth of these charges. He was perfectly ignorant of having been guilty of any illegal or improper conduct on the subject. He denied altogether that he had interfered with the election. He declared most positively, that he believed there was no Peer of the realm who had personally interfered in elections less than he had. He knew no more of this matter than any of their Lordships. He denied having furnished money improperly, for the purposes of the election. He understood that there were expenses justified by law, such as those relating to the registration and the scrutiny attendant upon it; and with regard to them he had stated, that as far as it was proper, he should be happy to assist his relative, but he had done nothing more. He had not interfered during the election, and he had not gone down after the election, but had, at some inconvenience to himself, remained away because he would not do anything which might appear to be likely to create excitement. Yet, notwithstanding all these things, attacks had been made on him in the newspapers, and not only in the newspapers here, but in foreign journals. He noticed these attacks thus publicly, because they had been publicly made. He had been charged with personal interference in the election, and he came before their Lordships to meet these charges. He was sorry that they could not now be examined into, for as to himself he was perfectly ready to meet them. He should say no more than to express his obligations to the noble Lord opposite for writing to him and enabling him to come over at once, and declare that the attacks which had been made on him were unfounded.