The Providence Journal, And Town And Country Advertiser

The British House of Commons have lately been occupied in the important business of discussing the question, whether a clergyman is eligible to a seat in that House. The question originated in the election of Mr. John Horne Tooke, for the borough of Old Sarum. A special committee was appointed to examine precedents, and a laborious investigation ensued. From the speech of Lord Onslow on that report, we collect that it appeared on investigation, that clergymen were first called into Parliament by the Crown to support favourite measures; and from the importance they acquired by these summons, they arrogated to themselves the right of self-taxation. From the time of Henry 6th, to Henry 8th, they were considered, not as representatives of the nation, but of the clergy; they acted as a distinct body, acquired the right of calling a convention of their order, and favoured the royal prerogative. In the reign of Elizabeth, they petitioned for the right of sitting in the House of Commons; but their petition was not granted. The petition however was renewed and admitted in the reigns of Charles I. and James II: but the claim was never exercised. Some precedents were mentioned, but none directly in point. Cases existed in which persons had been excluded from that House, because they were members of the convocation; not simply on the ground of being in holy orders.

A motion to issue a new writ for the election of a member in the place of Mr. Tooke, on account of his ineligibility, was superseded by the previous question, and a bill brought in, to exclude clergymen from a right to a seat in the House.