PARLIAMENTARY REGISTER, DURING THE FIRST SESSION OF THE FOURTH PARLIAMENT OF THE UNITED KINGDOM OF GREAT BRITAIN AND IRELAND. HOUSE OF LORDS. MONDAY, JUNE 22. ABOUT two o'clock, the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Lord Chancellor, the Earl of Aylesford, and Lord Hawkesbury, took their seats as his majesty's commissioners for opening the Parliament. Mr. Quarme, the deputy usher of the black rod, was sent to the House of Commons, to require their attendance. Shortly afterwards Mr. Ley, the deputy-clerk of the House of Commons, accompanied by a considerable number of members, came to the bar. The commission for opening the Parliament was read at the table. The Lord Chancellor, in the usual form, in his majesty's name, and by virtue of the said commission, required the Commons to return to the place where they were to sit; there to chuse a Speaker; and to present the person so chosen as Speaker, for his Majesty's approbation the next day at three o'clock. The Commons retired from the bar. The House adjourned to unrobe. On its resuming, prayers were read. The Lord Chancellor advanced to the table and took the oaths, as did also the Duke of Gloucester. The oaths were then administered to a considerable number of lords; after which the House adjourned till the next day. HOUSE OF COMMONS. MONDAY, JUNE 22. Mr. Quarme, the deputy usher of the black rod; appeared at the bar of the House at half past two, and summoned VOL. I.-1807. B the ་ the members to attend forthwith at the bar of the House of Lords. A considerable number of the members attended accordi gly, and on their return, Mr. Charles Yorke rose, and addressing Mr. Ley, spoke to the following purport: We are now, sir, called upon to exercise one of our most ancient privileges, which, whether we consider the dignity of this House, the good order with which all debates should be conducted, the decorum that should mark its deliberations, or the firmness that should attend i's decisions and enforce its authority, may be looked upon as one of not greater antiquity than importance. It is scarce necessary to add that I allude to the duty which now devolves upon us, of selecting from among us an honourable member competent to fill that chair, and discharge the arduous duties of a speaker of this honourable House. Perhaps, in proposing one to the consideration of the House I might hazard the imputation of attempting to lead its judgment, but in the present instance I have no such apprehension, conscious as I am that whatever our differences may be on other matters, in this we have all but one opinion. I am certainly prepared to admit that there are many members well qualified to sustain that responsible situation, but there are some considerations which must tend in a considerable degree to influence the minds of gentlemen in preference of one right hononrable member, whose qualifications for the chair have been tried and proved in the chair itself. The pleasure I shall feel in witnessing the honourable triumph that this day awaits him, can be equalled only by the personal pride I have in proposing him to your consideration. I have known him a long time, and my friendship for him, founded upon esteem for his virtues, and respect for his talents, is strong in proportion to my knowledge of him. It will be his peculiar good fortune, at a time of party zeal and violent commotion, to unite all opinions in a combined tribute to his abilities and worth, and I shall hail his unanimous election to that chair as an auspicious omen of the justice, cordiality, and moderation that may characterize our subsequent discussions. In a word, were I asked to give an example of an able, enlightened, impartial, and dignified speaker, I should, without hesita tion, as a complete answer to such a question, mention the right honourable Charles Abbot (a general cry of hear! hear!); the mention of that name will amply sup, ly the |