§ THE LORDS COMMISSIONERS (THE LORD CHANCELLOR, THE EARL OF CROMER, THE EARL OF DESART, VISCOUNT FITZALAN OF DERWENT and the MARQUESS OF HUNTLY) being seated in front of the Throne, and the Commons having been sent for:—
§ MR. SPEAKER-ELECT (THE RIGHT HON. JOHN HENRY WHITLEY), addressing the Royal Commissioners, said: My Lords, I have to acquaint your Lordships that, in obedience to His Majesty's commands, His Majesty's most faithful Commons have, in the exercise of their undoubted rights and privileges, proceeded to the election of Speaker, and that their choice has fallen upon myself. I now present myself at your Lordships' Bar and submit myself with all humility for His Majesty's gracious approbation.
§ THE LORD CHANCELLOR (VISCOUNT CAVE)Mr. Whitley, we are commanded to assure you that His Majesty is so fully sensible of your zeal in the public service and of your ample sufficiency to execute all the arduous duties of the position which his faithful Commons have selected 4 you to discharge that he does most readily approve and confirm you as their Speaker.
MR. SPEAKERMy Lords, I submit myself with all humility and gratitude to His Majesty's gracious commands. It is now my duty, in the name and on behalf of the Commons of the United Kingdom, to lay claim by humble petition to His Majesty to all their ancient and undoubted rights and privileges, especially to freedom of speech in debate, to freedom from arrest, and to free access to His Majesty whenever occasion shall require; and that the most favourable construction shall be put upon all their proceedings. In regard to myself, I pray that if in the discharge of my duties I should inadvertently fall into any error, it may be imputed to myself alone, and not to His Majesty's most faithful Commons.
§ THE LORD CHANCELLORMr. Speaker, we have it further in command to inform you that His Majesty does most readily confirm all the rights and privileges which have ever been granted to or conferred upon the Commons by any of his Royal predecessors. With respect to yourself, Sir, though His Majesty is sensible that you stand in no need of such assurance, His Majesty will ever place the most favourable construction upon your words and actions.
§ Mr. SPEAKER and the Commons then retired.
§ House adjourned during pleasure.
§ House resumed.
§ Several Lords—Took the Oath.
§ House adjourned at four o'clock.