HL Deb 17 June 1834 vol 24 c491

Further evidence was heard on the Warwick Borough Bill.

The Lord Chancellor

said, that common sense and common justice to the House and the country, dictated the propriety of bringing the case to a speedy termination. According as they were going on, it was hard to say whether it would be closed in 1836 or 1837, for they were already approaching 1835. After so many witnesses were examined, it could not be said that their Lordships intended to shut out the case. As he could not see the Counsel until Thursday, he hoped the parties would in the mean time ascertain what ought to be done to expedite the case. If the other eight witnesses were to be examined solely on the question of treating, which was practised, and he feared would be practised, at most elections, why, then, it was time to check that source of public expense, by preventing such evidence. He had no wish to shut out proof of treating. But then he wanted bribery, as necessary to lay the grounds of a decision. Treating without bribery would do no good. He and their Lordships heard the case very patiently and leniently. But if the Chief Justice were in his place he would deal with the parties differently. He wanted proof of bribery.

Further consideration adjourned.