The Dorset County Express and Agricultural Gazette.
Dorchester, Dorset, England, 1859-06-28 00:00:00

WEDNESDAY.

On the motion, by Mr. BRAND, that the HOMO at
it. rising do adjourn until the 30th.
Mr. W. 0. STANLEY called attention to • statement
in a report which had aFpeared in the Times of that
day by a Mr. Dennis, st a meeting of the Liberal
electors of Northampton, to the effect that Mr. C.
Gilpin, a representative of that borough, had shown
him two letters which he had received from the agenta
of the Tory party, in which • direct attempt was made
to corrupt I in his Parliamentary duty. Hail Mr.
Gilpin been prevent, lie observed, lie should have asked
him whether this statement was correct, and, if true,
what steps he intekdeil to make.
Mr. BLACKBe RN adverted to another part of the tame
report, referring to Mr. Vernon Smith, as of still wore
serious import.
After 'mine discussion. . . . .

Mr. T. DUNCOMBE eaggested that the publisher of
the statement should be called upon to disclose his
authority.
Colonel DuNNE took the opportunity to defend him-
self against what lie termed a very gross accusation
in relation to his votes on the Ecclesiastical Titles
Bill. . .

The SPEAKER stopped the discussion, suggesting a
more regular course of proceeding, and the motion for
adjournment was agreed to.
On the motion of Mr. BRAND. new writs were
ordered to issue for the seat, vacated by acceptance of
oilier. When the writ for Sandwich. in the place of
Mr. Knatchbull-liugessen. was moved for.
Mr. STEUART moved that • peti:ion against the return
for that borough be read.
The Ccrec accordingly read a petition alleging the
nullity of the return of Lord C. Paget and Mr. [loges-
sell, on the ground of orrupt practices at the late
election. .• _ . . .

Mr. STEUART inquired of the Chair what would be
the effect of the re-election of Mr. flugessen under
these circunotances. . . .

Mr. CLIVI remarked that the seat was not claimed,
and that, according to the " Southinurton case'' in
18.12, the petition alleged no valid reason for suspending
the icone of the writ. . . . .

-- ---
The STRAKER, Urn the strength of that precedent,
was of the bailie opinion.
Mr. 111.7 NT suggested that the subject should be
referred to a c ..... inittee, and
Mr. M'SI ARON MOVed that the debate be adjourned.
. . . .

Sir W. Joi.i.tt YE thought that u Mr. llugewen by
reelection w 0.11,1 not get rid of responsibility for
nny corrupt practices at the prior election the House
would do wisely by allowing the writ to issue.
Mr. I). Santoun reconituended the withdrawal of
the motion for the writ. . .

MT. ROVVERIE objected to the suspension of the writ,
even for a short time, on • bare allegation of corrupt
practices.
Mr. /luxe inquired of the Chair whether, supposing
Mr. Hugessen were re-elected, and the committee
reported that he had been guilty of corrupt practices at j
the last election, his seat would be avoided without a
fresh petition.
The SPEAKER, referring again to the precedent of
1852, said if the charge of corruption against Mr. Huges-
sen were proved he would be incapacitated from sitting
in this Parliament. The Corrupt Practices Act bad
made no alteration in this particular.
Soule further discussion took place, and ultimately,
the amendment having been withdrawn, the motion for
the writ was agreed to.
Mr. W. 0. STANLEY. seeing Mr. C. Gilpin in his place,
again read the statement to which he bad before
referred, and asked whether there was any truth in it.
Mr. GmeiB said, as far as the publication was con-
{veiled, he had had no part in it, direct or indirect.
He understood it had stated that he had shown letters
to Mr. Dennis, containing offers from agents of the
Conservative party to buy up his vote. He had received
letters of that tendency, but he had no proof, and lie
had not said lie had, that those offers cause from agents
of the Conservative party.
Mr. STANLEY inquired whether he intended to take
any further ,-teps.
Mr. GILPIN replied, as far as he was concerneti, be
was not prepared to take further steps.
Mr. STANLEY said he should take time to consider
what steps he should take in the matter.
The Portsmouth New Dock, and the Somerset Cen-
tral Railway Bills were read a third time and passed.
After some further business the House adjourned, at
5 minutes to 2 o'clock, until Thursday week.