But, my Lords, they
have never asked for inquiry from that day to this. Whenever he or they
who are criminated (not by us, but in this volume of Reports that is in
my hand) desire it, the House will give them all possible satisfaction
upon the subject.
A similar complaint was made to the House of Commons by the prisoner,
that matters irrelevant to the charge were brought up hither. Was it not
open to him, and has he had no friends in the House of Commons, to call
upon the House, during the whole period of this proceeding, to examine
into the particulars adduced in justification of the preamble of the
charge against him, in justification of the covenants of the Company, in
justification of the act of Parliament? It was in his power to do it; it
is in his power still; and if it be brought before that tribunal, to
which I and my fellow Managers are alone accountable, we will lay before
that tribunal such matters as will sufficiently justify our mode of
proceeding, and the resolution of the House of Commons. I will not,
therefore, enter into the particulars (because they cannot be entered
into by your Lordships) any further than to say, that, if we had ever
been called upon to prove the allegations which we have made, not in the
nature of a charge, but as bound in duty to this Court, and in justice
to ourselves, we should have been ready to enter into proof.
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