The Earl of Radnorsaid, their Lordships would recollect that on Tuesday last he had presented a petition from Mr. Joseph Mazzini, in which the petitioner averred that he understood that statements highly injurious to his character had been disseminated, and as he was apprehensive that similar statements might be made before the Secret Committee appointed to examine into the Opening and Detaining of Letters at the Post Office, he prayed their Lordships that he might have a full opportunity of being heard, to refute any charges that might be alleged against him, either before the Committee, or in such other manner as their Lordships might deem proper. It was his opinion that that petition should be referred to the Secret Committee. But, as some objection was made at the time, he had deferred his Motion, and he should now move that the petition be so referred. He should make no further observation now; but if the noble Duke opposed the Motion, he should reserve to himself the right of stating his opinions at length.
§ The Duke of Wellingtonsaid, the Motion of the noble Earl was—
That this Petition be referred to the Secret Committee appointed to inquire into matters concerning certain proceedings in the Post Office.He could not see what the matters alleged in the petition had to do with the subject into which the Committee was to inquire. The Committee was specifically appointed—To inquire into the state of the Law in respect to the Detaining and Opening of Letters at the General Post Office, and into the Mode under which the authority given for such Detaining and Opening has been exercised, and to report their opinion and observations thereupon to the House.777 Now, it did not appear how it was possible, under this order or form of inquiry relative to the state of the law, that this gentleman's character could be affected. He complained in his former petition to this House that his letters had been opened; and a Secret Committee was appointed to inquire into the law under which that power was exercised. But he never heard that any reference was made to this Gentleman's individual character, or to the character of any other individual; and, whether his character had been affected or not, it was not for a Committee of that House, sitting for another purpose, to clear it. Under these circumstances, it appeared to him that this Motion was premature. It would be proper to wait till the Committee had made their Report. That would be the time, if this Gentleman's character were affected in any way by the Report, to call for an opportunity of explaining and justifying his conduct.
The Earl of Radnorsaid, it was very true, that under the Order for the Committee, no reference was made to matters of this nature, but it was equally true that there was nothing in the Order to exclude them. It should be observed, that the whole of this investigation originated in a petition which he presented a fortnight ago from Mr. Mazzini, and which was referred to the Committee. He fully admitted, that it was not the mere grievance of Mr. Mazzini, or of anybody else, that ought to be brought before the Committee. It was a general question—a question of the utmost public importance. But still it was very natural for Mr. Mazzini to feel the reports which had been, to his (the Earl of Radnor's) certain knowledge, circulated against him, and to be most anxious to meet and to repel them. In his opinion, under all the circumstances, nothing could be more fair than to refer the petition to the Committee.
§ The Duke of Wellingtonrepeated his observation, that the petition was premature. The subject to which it related had nothing to do with the matter into which the Committee was appointed to inquire.