14] ANNUAL REGISTER, 1818. 



present as disaffection to their 

 master. Yet in such times, that 

 act, which gave them, he might 

 say, a privilege above all other 

 nations, might in future be taken 

 away by the precedent established 

 in the reign of George 3rd, or 

 rather in the regency of the 

 Prince by whom he was repre- 

 sented. The only excuse by 

 W'hich the appointment of com- 

 mittees by ballot could be de- 

 fended was, the existence of such 

 danger as rendered secresy impe- 

 rative. Could such a ground be 

 now advanced ; or was there, in 



fact, any other reason for resort- 

 ing to it, than the necessity which 

 was felt of obtaining a bill of in- 

 demnity ? 



Several Speakers on both sides 

 appeared in succession. The 

 question was at length put and 

 agreed to ; as were the questions, 

 that it should be a committee of 

 secresy, and should consist of 21 

 members. 



On the question " That the 

 committee be chosen by way of 

 ballotting," the House divided ; 

 Ayes 102, Noes 29. 



CHAPTER 



