At the sitting of the House of Commons today, Mr.
THESIGER ex- plained at length the grounds of his conviction that the warrant issued by the Speaker last session, to compel a witness to produce papers before a Select Committee, was invalid now : he read the warrant itself; which stated that, whereas the petition was "to be tried during the present session of Parliament," the witnesses must appear and produce papers ; and he cited legal authorities on the subject ; all tending to show that the authority of the Speaker in the matter was derived from the House, and that it expired with the session. He moved that Mab - son be discharged from custody. Mr. CHARLES WYNN seconded the motion. Sir GEORGE GREY opposed it ; but suggested that the question as to the validity of the warrant should be referred to a Select Com- mittee. The SOLICITOR-GENERAL gave notice that on Monday he should move for a Select Committee to inquire into the practice of the House with regard to summoning witnesses at the bar, and to report what alterations are requisite in the present law. Mr. Thesiger's motion was agreed to ; but on the motion of Mr. CHARLES WOOD, William Rouse Mabson was ordered to attend before the Southampton Committee on Monday. During the debate some sparring took place between Mr. Ilurr and Mr. FERRAND. The latter had said, last night, that the proceedings of the Committee were "vindictive," but he withdrew the expression on being called to order. Now, Mr. Hurr declared that he would treat the person who made such an allegation "as a calumniator and a liar.' In the altercation, both the disputants were repeatedly called to order by the SPEAKER.
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