d discussion, the original question was carried by a majority of
two hunded and forty-nine against one hundred. Lord John Russell then
moved, that John Joseph Stockdale, for the said breach of privilege, be
committed to the custody of the sergeant-at-arms, and that the speaker
do issue his warrant for the committal. After a brief discussion, this
was carried by a large majority; and on the next day the sheriffs and
bailiffs were called in, and, after examination, ordered to attend
on the following Monday. On that clay, the 20th of January, Lord John
Russell said that it became him now to state the precise course which
should be taken in the present stage of the proceedings; and, after
going at length into the whole question of privilege, he moved, "that
it appeared to the house that an execution in the cause of Stockdale
v. Hansard had been levied to the amount of L640, by the sale of the
property of Messrs. Hansard, in contempt of the privileges of that
house; and that such money then remained in the hands of the sheriff
for Middlesex." If that resolution should be carried, he should move
further, "that the said sheriff be ordered to refund the said amount
forthwith to Messrs. Hansard." Mr. F. Kelly opposed this motion, and
moved, by way of amendment, the following resolutions:--"That, it
appearing to this house that an action has been brought against James
Hansard and others, for the publication by them, under an order of this
house, of certain papers containing libellous matter upon John Joseph
Stockdale, and that judgment has been obtained, and execution issued
by due course of law against the said James Hansard and others in
such action: it is expedient that the said James Hansard and others be
indemnified against all costs and damages by them sustained in respect
of such action." This amendment was supported by Sir Edward Sugden, and
opposed by Sir Robert Peel and the attorney-general; and, on a division,
the original motion was carried by a majority of two hundred and five
against ninety. Subsequently the sheriffs were called in, and committed
to the custody of the serjeant-at-arms; and Mr. Howard, the attorney
of Stock-dale, reprimanded by the speaker at the bar, when he was
discharged. The matter, however, was not yet at rest.

On the 27th of January Lord John Russell gave notice that he had
received a petition from Messrs. Hansard, stating that a fresh action
had been commenced against them by Stockdale, and th