I—l 2

138

niittee. The legislation which I proposed is in black ink. On the draft I added some words in red ink, carefully distinguishing it from what I proposed, and intending it to provide against the event of an adverse report by the Committee. No person who heard my speech could suppose that this was anything other than an alternative provision, which the Committee might consider if they should agree to report against us. My clients, who were not here yesterday, seem to think that the part in red ink is a suggestion which I recommend, and that the Committee were invited to adopt it, though in exclusion of their rights. Ido not think the members of this Committee had any doubt as to what was intended. It was simply this. The red ink shows the alternative which in the event of an adverse decision might be adopted. I did not recommend it; but if the Committee should favour what has been proposed by Sir Bobert Stout the suggestion contained in the red ink would more effectually meet the justice of the case and the equitable claims of those who have been brought before the Committee.