1 Feb 1808

on L d Eldon's Bill

Lords time

The superior object of the two in urgency as well as dignity - that which has for its theatre the House of Lords ingrossed their attention, and was all the while the only object aimed at. "If these regulations" (says the Lord President with his ten learned Co-Memorialists) "if these regulations" (speaking [of] a set of regulations the same in principle with those of which I have been endeavouring to give a view) "were adopted, we are persuaded, that the number of Appeals" (meaning Appeals to the House of Lords) "would soon cease to be a grievance to the subject, or a burthen to the House of Lords." +

A good effect which they never aimed at producing, it may happen to them to produce: but in respect of this sole object of their endeavours - at any rate the only declared object, Your Lordship if my humble view of the matter be not altogether incorrect, will see that they have compleatly failed.

Malâ fide Appeals and bonâ fide Appeals - under one or other of their divisions may the whole number (as elsewhere observed) be comprized.

Of the number of malâ fide Appeals the regulations in question will assuredly strike off a part: they will as certainly leave another part unexcluded. The proposition between the two parts will depend in each Session upon accidental circumstances; upon the circumstances of each individual cause: upon the amount of capital or principal at stake, the sources of profit at the command of the respective parties, the length of delay [...?] by the Appeal, and the money that must be paid, in the shape of costs, for the purchase of it.

+ Memor. art. 49.