Note 74 — Chapter XIII · ON THE STATE OF THE CONSTITUTION UNDER CHARLES II.

This clause in an act imposing severe penalties on bribery, was inserted by the House of Lords with the insidious design of causing the rejection of the whole bill; if the Commons, as might be expected, should resent such an interference with their privileges. The ministry accordingly endeavoured to excite this sentiment; but those who had introduced the bill very wisely thought it better to sacrifice a point of dignity, rather than lose so important a statute. It was, however, only carried by two voices to agree with the amendment. Parl. Hist. viii. 754.