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THE TRUE STORY
OF
MY PARLIAMENTARY
STRUGGLE.
BY
CHARLES BRADLAUGH.
Decoration
LONDON:
FREETHOUGHT PUBLISHING COMPANY,
28, STONECUTTER STREET, E.C.
1882.
PRICE SIXPENCE
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LONDON:
PRINTED BY ANNIE BESANT AND CHARLES BRADLAUGH,
28, STONECUTTER STREET, E.C.
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So much misapprehension and misrepresentation prevailsas to what has really taken place in the House ofCommons with reference to my Parliamentary struggle,that I reprint the Report of the Second Select Committeeand the Evidence taken before such Committee, togetherwith my three speeches at the bar and the resolutions ofthe House: these together giving the actual facts.[Pg 4]
Ordered,—[Tuesday, 25th May 1880]:—That Mr.Bradlaugh, the Member for Northampton, having claimed atthe Table of this House to make an Affirmation or Declarationinstead of the Oath prescribed by Law, founding hisclaim upon the terms of the Act 29 & 30 Vict. c. 19, andthe Evidence Amendment Acts of 1869 and 1870, andstating that he had been permitted to affirm in Courts ofJustice by virtue of the said Evidence Amendment Acts:And it having been referred to a Select Committee to considerand report their opinion whether persons entitled,under the provisions of the Evidence Amendment Act,1869, and the Evidence Amendment Act, 1870, to make asolemn Declaration instead of an Oath in Courts of Justice,may be admitted to make an Affirmation or Declarationinstead of an Oath in this House, in pursuance of the Acts29 & 30 Vict. c. 19, and 31 & 32 Vict. c. 72; And the saidCommittee having reported that in their opinion suchpersons cannot be admitted to make an Affirmation orDeclaration, instead of an Oath in pursuance of the saidActs:
And Mr. Bradlaugh having since come to the Table ofthe House for the purpose of taking the Oath prescribed bythe 29 & 30 Vict. c. 19, and the 31 & 32 Vict. c. 72, andobjection having been made to his taking the said Oath, itbe referred to a Select Committee to inquire into and considerthe facts and circumstances under which Mr. Bradlaughclaims to have the Oath prescribed by the 29 & 30 Vict.c. 19, and 31 & 32 Vict. c. 72, administered to him in thisHouse, and also as to the Law applicable to such claim undersuch circumstances, and as to the right and jurisdiction ofthis House to refuse to allow the said form of the Oath tobe administered to him, and to report thereon to the House,together with their opinion thereon.[Pg 5]
Ordered,—[Friday, 28th May 1880]:—That the Committeedo consist of twenty-three Members.
Committee nominated of—