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 1 
 
 2 
 
 3 
 
 1 2 3 
 
 4 5 6 
 
A DEFINITION 
 
 ^ 
 
 i» 
 
 OF THB 
 
 OFFICIAL POSITION 
 
 Air.-i or TBB 
 
 DUTIES 
 
 or 
 
 (( 
 
 BLACK ROD" 
 
 IN ENGLAND. 
 
 ** The offiee of Black Rod is not a sineenre, in Bngland 
 it is a very honorable and responsible office, but it 
 is not so understood in Canada,"— 7A« Earl of 
 Elgin and Kincardine, 
 
 " Bvery man has a right to do his iv.tY."— Common 
 Stnte. 
 
 J*' 
 I 
 
 (Dttatoa: 
 FEINTED BY HUNTER, ROSE & COMPANY. 
 
 1868. 
 
mmm 
 
A DEFINITION 
 
 or Tu 
 
 OFFICIAL POSITION AND OF THE DUTIES OF 
 " BLACK ROD" IN ENGLAND, 
 
 i. 
 
 Unlikd tli« ordinary petitioner, the Gentleman Usher of the 
 Black Bod presents himself **in person " before the English Par* 
 liament. Unlike the Municipal or Military authority, his staff 
 and title do not oonte^ the idea of limited power, but assert his 
 privilege of being received by the nation, m Parliament repre* 
 sented, as the constitutional and direct messenger from the Chief 
 of the State, these two supreme but united powers, the Grown 
 and the People, having acknowledged him as sole intermediate 
 agent. 
 
 To question the dignity of such a functionary is, undeniably, to 
 question, on the one hand, the prerogative and dignity of the 
 Queeii, and, on the other, the loyalty and dignity of the Commons, 
 who obey tho summons of their Sovereign, 
 
 The (Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod was appointed by Let- 
 ters Patent from the Crown. His functions are chiefly of a cere- 
 monial character, " but not wholly so." Orders and commitments 
 against Peers and Peeresses are nsuallT directed him ; he is occa- 
 sionally empowered to cause the apprehension of parties guilty of 
 contempt, a duty, however, which it has been contended belongg 
 more properly to the Sergeant-at>Arms. He is also vested with 
 <' the appointment and control of the doorkeepers of the House ;" 
 and he is allowed to appoint a Deputy, called the Teoman Usher, 
 by whom, in fact, '' all the ordinary duties of the House are per- 
 formed." 
 
 The Crown has also the appointment of the Sergeant-at-Arms, 
 whose peculiar duty it is to attend the Speaker of the Howe of 
 Lordi, and of whose Mace he is the bearer. — Maquem^ Practice 
 of the House of IJordii page 68. 
 
^iiM°^ ^■w»""»F 
 
 4 OFnOIAL POSITION AND DVTIIB OF 
 
 It ifl evident that a great difference exists between the two 
 oflEices of Black Rod and that of the Sergeant-at-Arms, the latter 
 bein^ the officer of the Lord Ohancellor, and Black Rod being the 
 special officer of the House. 
 
 The Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod was appointed anciently, 
 by Letters Patent under the great Seal, and is still Qentlexnan 
 Usher to the Queen. He attends the House of Peers during 
 Parliament, holding in his hand a black rod (from whence he 
 derives his name), surmounted by a Golden Lion. 
 
 This Rod has the same authority as a Mace. To the custody of 
 this officer all Peers called in question for any crime are first com> 
 mitted &c., &c., &c. 
 
 Whenever the Queen sends for the Commons to attend her at 
 the Bar of the Lords, for the meeting or prorogation of Parliament, 
 it is by that officer ; but when she has deputed a Commission, the 
 Teoman Usher (who waits at tbe door within) is usually, thoush 
 not invariably, the Messenger. — The Practice and Privileget of the 
 two Houses of Parliament. — Alphetts Toddy page 810. 
 
 Any other messages are done and carried by the Masters in 
 Chancery, Master of the Rolls or Clerk of Parliament. — Ihid. — 
 Todd's Parliamentary Law^page 319. — Sir Aug, Clifford's second 
 Utter, page 10. 
 
 The Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod, is stj^led by the best 
 English Authors on Parliamentary usages, dignities, precedence, 
 &c., the principal officer of the House of Lords. jSic "As prin- 
 cipal officer of the House of Lords."— Page 225, Lodd^s Manual 
 of JDig.titieSf Precedence^ ^<?., ^c. 
 
 " He is, after the Great Lord Chamberlain, next in rank." 
 — Vice Admiral Sir Augustus Clifford^ Cfentleman Usher of 
 the Black Mod's first letter, page 9. 
 
 When the House of Lords takes the answer to the Queen's 
 Speech, the Lord Chancello;: having the Clerk of the Parliament 
 on his right, and Black Rod on his left, followed by the mover 
 and seconder of the address, and as many Peers who wish to be 
 present, proceed to Her Majesty's Palace, &c., Ac. — Sir Augus- 
 tus Clifford's third letter, page 10. 
 
 " As principal officer of the House of Lords his emoluments 
 are considerable," &c., &c. — Page 225, Dodd's Manual of Digni- 
 ties, Precedenc3, ^c. 
 
 The privileges of the Black Rod are the private entree at 
 Court, leave to go through the Parks and Horse Guard, and to 
 
<* BX.AOK BOD" nr INaiAlTD. 
 
 I. 
 
 have a residence in the new HouBes of Parliament, &c., &o., &o.— 
 Sir Aug. Clifford^ tfirtt Utter, page 9. 
 
 The Lords do not wait for the action of the Executive to pro- 
 vide a residence for Black Bod in Westminster Palace. In a 
 series of resolutions presented and adopted by the House of Lords 
 on the subject of a proposed plan for the permanent accommods- 
 tion of the Houses of Parliament in 1835, the residence of the 
 Black Rod is the only one styled ''a residence," all the other 
 accommodations being merely called rooms, &c., &c. 
 
 12th. ^^ Besolvedf By the Lords Spiritual and Temporal in Par- 
 liament assembled, that the Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod 
 should have a residence within the walls of the proposed buildings," 
 &c., &c. — Clataified Index to the Journal ef the Howe of Lordt, 
 page 55. 
 
 *^ As principal officer of the House of Lords," &c., '^ he has 
 charge of the High Courts of Parliament," &c., &o. — Dodd^t 
 Manual of Dignitien, page 225. 
 
 The resolution of the Lords on the subject of a residence was 
 carried into effect, and a splendid residence was built at the south 
 angle of the Palace of Westminster, perfectly similar to that 
 occupied by the Speaker of the Commons at the opposite angle 
 of the buildings, the designs and plans of which can be seen in 
 the Canadian Parliamentary Library, in the illustrated plans of 
 the Palace of Westminster. 
 
 The question would naturally arise, after reading the above 
 paragraph : Why this splendid residence, and why a residence at 
 all ? This question has, however, already been answered by the 
 authorities above mentioned. It is because he is principal officer 
 of the House of Lords. — Dodd, page 225. 
 
 He his charge of the High Courts of Parliament' — Dodd, page 
 225. 
 
 He has charge of the Palace of Westminster. — Sir Auguetut 
 Clifford, first letter, page 9. 
 
 And because it is a simple matter of inquiry, by which any 
 body who can read, can ascertain by referring to the Journals of 
 the House of Lords. 
 
 The office of Black Rod is ^'no sinecure," but to the country a 
 very responsible office. It will be beyond a doubt, after reading 
 the Journal of the Lords, that *' Black Rod " has the entire con- 
 trol over the interior economy of the House. He appoints all 
 doorkeepers and messengers. He, moreover, appoints his Yeo- 
 
6 
 
 OFFIOUl POSITION AND DUHES OF 
 
 man Usher or Deputy, who receives the large salary of £1,000 per 
 annum. 
 
 It will be seen by the different extracts from these Journals, 
 which require no comment, that all these privileges are due to his 
 rank, and the Lords have thought it expedient, reasonable 
 and just, it should be so. It will also be seen that, in every 
 instance, the doorkeepers, messengers, and housekeepers of the 
 House, are mentioned as being in the department of Black Bod, 
 and under his control. 
 
 But it will appear particularly clear, as it is becoming it should 
 be, that all his suggestions and recommendations are particularly 
 appreciated by the Lords and generally attended to. 
 
 The Lords do not derive their informations as regard the 
 management of their own house from servants, but from their 
 officers. — Vol. 82. — A correspondence addressed to the Committee 
 of the Lords on Contingencies, hy Sir Aug. Clifford, page 45. 
 
 His suggestions for promotion, for indemnity, for increase of 
 salary, are most generally granted by the House. 
 
 Having the appointments in his gift, subject of course to the 
 approval of the House, he has also the right to punish by exclusion 
 from the service, any delinquents amongst the servants under his 
 control. — Sir Aug. Clifford* s fourth letter, page 12. 
 
 Extracts from the Journals of the Lords, up to the year 1866. 
 
 The Journals of the House of Lords mention several hundred 
 reports from Select Committees, considered and adopted by the 
 House, appointed on the subject of the Department of the Black 
 Rod. 
 
 The composition of those committees show the importance the 
 Lords attach to this department by the selection of the men who 
 compose it. 
 
 The honorable names of distinguished men, the Duke of Wel- 
 lington, Lords Brougham, Granworth, Ellenborough, Shaftes- 
 borough, Lansdoun, and so many others, too numerous to mention, 
 frequently appear. — Classified Index to the Journal of the Lords. 
 
 * * * The Committee then conferred with the Gentleman 
 Usher of the Black Rod upon certain representations made to 
 them from some of the assistant door-keepers and messengers 
 attached to the House, in respect of the arrangement adopted in 
 1850 upon their salaries. * * * The Gentleman Usher of 
 the Black Rod having recommended that Mrs. Bennett, the 
 house-keeper, should be allowed two additional housemaids for 
 
 1 
 

 ' 
 
 *< BLACK ROD" IN BNOLAND. 7 
 
 the Session, the Committee have approved of thit recommendation, 
 — let. Report of Select Committee approved and adopted by the 
 House. — Lorde* Journal^ vol. 84, {^th Aprils) page 91. 
 
 Not only does he appoint the messengers, but he gives orders 
 for the salaries of the employees in his department. 
 
 << The Committee, however, recommend that the interest which 
 should accrue from the investment, from time to time, of the sur- 
 plus of the fees should be paid over to Her Majesty's Treasury, 
 so long as the sums required by the Gentleman Usher of the 
 Black Rod, for the payment of the before-mentioned salaries, 
 should be borne on the annual estimate," &c., &c. — Lords' Joumaly 
 vol. 98, page 518, i/ear 1866. 
 
 The salary, such as fixed by the House of Lords, for the house- 
 keeper is £160, with £iO each for two additional assistants.—- 
 Lord*' Journal, year 1847, page 780. 
 
 '' The Committee then directed their attention to the Depart* 
 ment of the Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod, and there nave 
 been laid before them memorials, &c., &c. 
 
 and a Memorial from Mrs. Bennett, the House Keeper to the 
 Lords, praying for an increase of salary, and the Committee 
 having *< conferred with Sir Augustus Clifibrd, the Gentleman 
 Usher of the Black Rod thereon," and also upon other matters 
 connected with his Department, and have come to the folbwing 
 resolutions, &c., &c., ko.'-^Memorial granted), Vol., 86, page 
 316, Lords' Journal. 
 
 <* The Committee recommend upon the representations of the 
 Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod," &c., &c., &c. — Lords* 
 Journal, Vol., 89, page 434, Report Select Committee. 
 
 The Lords seem to have avoided at all times to legislate with 
 a retroactive e£fect, but particularly when such legislation could 
 affect vested rights and the sacred obligations of a contract with 
 individuals. In any changes therefore introduced by them in the 
 organization of the internal service, it is not at all surprising to 
 see them mention specially that no changes would be made with 
 the present servants but only with parties hereafter to he appointed, 
 &c., &c., and as to those changes they felt obliged to introduce, 
 they declare that they will not be done without proper com- 
 pensation. 
 
 Report of Select Committee on re-organisation of the Depart- 
 ment of the Clerk of Parliament, and office of the Gentleman 
 Usher of the Black Rod. 
 
orrxoiAL roBixzoN and dutxis or 
 
 That the Oommittee addressed their attention in the first place 
 to the present establishment of the Gentleman Usher of the Black 
 Bod. They have bden furnished by him unreservedly with ^hs 
 fullest returns respecting the Door-keepers, Assistant Door- 
 keepers and other offieera and servantt employed in that depart- 
 ment, &c., &c., &o. 
 
 After communicating with the Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod, 
 oame to the conclusion, that although the increased extent of the 
 HoQse did not admit of any reduction of the total number of 
 Door-keepers and Messengers, yet, that the number of Principal 
 Door-keepers was greater than necessary, and that by a judicious 
 disposition of them so as to make them to superintend the Assistant 
 Door-keeper, four Principal Door-keepers, in lieu of seven, would 
 be sufficient, Ac, &o., &c. 
 
 « « « * * « * 
 
 Having thus endeavoured to define the number of Messengers, 
 the Oommittee proceeded to consider the amount of their salaries, 
 and thev deemed it to bo the most convenient course to endeavour 
 to decide what should be the salaries of partiea hereqfter to he 
 appoirUedy and then to address themselves to the cases of those 
 now actually employed. * * * * ♦ 
 
 The Oommittee think that it would be much to be regretted if 
 there were to be a recurrence of such exorbitant emoluments, &o., 
 itc. * * '^ They do not feel justified in recommending that they 
 should be compulsorily deprived of their fees without proper com' 
 petuationf &o., &c. ; but recommend that their fees should be 
 commuted into fixed salaries. — Lordt* Journal^ Vol., S2f page§ 108 
 and 104. 
 
 Copy of Commmion * (pointing a Doorkeeper hy the Gentleman 
 
 JJmer of the JBlacJe Rod, 
 
 I, Sir Thomas Tyrwhitt, Gentleman Usher of the Black Bod, 
 by virtue of my office, do htireby nominate, constitute and ap- 
 point John Oldrini to be a Doorkeeper in the Bight Honorable 
 the House of Lords of the United Kingdom of Great Britain 
 and Ireland, in the room of Thomas Wright, deceased, to have, 
 hold, exercise and enjoy, all the rights, privileges and emolu- 
 ments of a Doorkeeper, upon the whole establishment of the 
 House of Lords, in as full and ample a manner as the said 
 Thomas Wright held, exercised and enjoyed the same. Given 
 under my hand and seal, this seventh day of June, in the 
 
** SLACK rod" in SNaLAND. 
 
 ^ear of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty-one, and 
 in the first year of Her Majesty's reign. 
 
 (L.S.) Thomas Ttrwhitt, 
 
 Black Bod. 
 Signed in the presence of J. Pulhan, 
 
 Deputy Black Bod. 
 
 It would be, however, perfectly useless to add to what precedes 
 any other proof of the risht of superintendence of Black Rod oyer 
 the stafi" of servants of the Houso of Lords. To those who will 
 not be convinced, in the face of such evidence, it would be use- 
 less for the House of Lords itself to affirm the fact. 
 
 Letters received from Vice-Admiral Sir Augr^*n8 Clifford^ Oeri' 
 tUman Usher of the Black Mod 
 
 92 Eaton SQUAtB, Pimlico, 
 April, ^:. ch, 1355. 
 
 Sir,. "T .-eceived your letter of the Slat of March, on my return 
 to town after the Easter Holydays, and I 1 )S( no time in at- 
 tciaptine to give you the information you dcsiro, respecting the 
 office I nold. I will first begin by informing jou that it is a 
 double office, inasmuch as he is one of the officers attache^? to the 
 Order of the Garter, and on occasions of ceremony attends tlie 
 Chapter and carries his Rod, which serves instead of a Mace, and 
 has the same authority to apprehend such persons as shall be 
 found to be delinquents, and have ofiended against the Statutes 
 of the Order. 
 
 There is also assigned to him a gold badge, to be worn in a gold 
 chain or ribbon, on his breast, composed of one of the knots of 
 the Collar of the Garter, which tie the roses together, and encom> 
 passed with the Garter on both sides. He used, formerly, to have 
 a residence in Windsor Castle, which was granted to him patent, 
 but that was taken away, as well as Garter King at Arms, when 
 the Castle underwent a thorough repair. 
 
 With respect to his duties in Parliament, I must here mention, 
 that he is first Gentleman Usher to the Queen, and " has charge 
 of the Palace of Westminster," under the Great Lord Chamber- 
 lain, and receives his directions in taking care that the House or 
 Chapter be fitted with all things for the receptions of the Sove- 
 reign, and those who sit there, I will now endeavor to answer 
 your questions, seriatirriy and if I can give you any further infor- 
 mation, I shall be happy to do so. 
 
 I have the honor to be, &c., &c., &c. 
 
 
10 
 
 OFFIOUL POSITION AND DUTIES OF 
 
 lat. The privileges Oi the Black Bod are, the private entrSe 
 at Court, leave to go through the parks and Horse Guards, and 
 to have a residence in the new Houses of Parliament, which are 
 not yet completed. 
 
 2nd. He has the patronage of the Yeoman Usher, who he has 
 allowed to assist him in his duties, and of " all the door-keepers 
 and messengers attached to the House." 
 
 3rd. On the opening and closing of Parliament by the Sove- 
 reign, all tickets are issued by the Great Lord Chamberlain, but 
 on other occasions he can admit a limited number below the bar 
 and in a few seats for ladies, altogether twelve of the latter. 
 
 4th. His only salary is, as Gentleman Usher to the Queen, £1800 
 a year,* but he has fees on all private bills, and on the introduc- 
 tion of a Peer. 
 
 6th. He is after the Great Lord Chamberlain next in rank. 
 
 6th. It is dij£cult to define the exact rank of the Black Bod. 
 Sir Augustus is a Baronet and a Bear Admiral, which gives him 
 a fixed rank in society apart from his of&ce. The Black Bod has 
 a seat allowed him capable of holding four or five persons, but 
 below the Peers and parallel with the Bar. 
 
 8th. He wears the full dress and undress of the Court on all 
 state occasions, but on ordinary days a black full-dress suit, with 
 his ribbon and badge of the Garter. The Black Bod endeavors 
 to preserve order at the bar or in the galleries, but not amongst 
 the Peers in the body of the House. 
 
 Blace Bod. 
 
 P. S. — ^When the Sovereign, either in Person or by Commis- 
 sion, summons the House of Parliament, he dotS so by the Black 
 Bod or by his deputy, " other messages are sent by the Masters 
 in Chancery." 
 
 (Signed,) Augustus Clifford. 
 
 To B. Kimber, Esq., 
 
 Gent. Usher Black Bod, 
 
 Quebec, Canada. 
 
 2nd Letter from the same. 
 
 92 Eaton Square, 
 
 28th October, 1858. 
 
 My D]a!AR Sir, — On my arrival in town, two days since, I found 
 
 * It is difficalt to ascertaia the exact figure in the original letter, ai the lait 
 figure is almost ineligible. 
 
 tu 
 
" BLACK bod" I^ BNOLAHD. 
 
 11 
 
 ie 
 id 
 re 
 
 as 
 
 !TS 
 )Ut 
 
 )ar 
 
 }00 
 uc- 
 
 ,od. 
 him 
 has 
 but 
 
 all 
 with 
 kvors 
 ingst 
 
 amis- 
 Mack 
 
 bSters 
 
 »i 1 
 
 your letter of the 7th of this month, and will lose no time in 
 answering your questions. 
 
 The Great Lord Chamberlain is an hereditary o£Sce, and rests 
 in two families, those of Willoughby d'Bresby and Cholmondeley, 
 from their mothers having been daughters of a Duke of Ancaster, 
 who was Lord Great Chamberlain and left no son, and their 
 descendants take alternate reign ; for instance. Lord Cholmondeley 
 was in the reign of William the Fourth, and Lord Willoughby in 
 Queen Victoria's. 
 
 He has, nominally, the government of the whole Palace of 
 Westminster, and issues tickets for the opening and closing of 
 Parliament ; ^' but, on the meeting, the Gentleman Usher of the 
 Black Bod has practically the charge," and is allowed a Yeoman 
 (Juher to assist him, and appoints all the Door-lieepers. 
 
 When the Session closes the Palace is given up to the Board of 
 Works, who undertakes all the repairs, and the lighting and 
 warming of it during the Session. 
 
 I am also Deputy Great Chamberlain, having been appointed 
 so by Lord Willougnby (with the Queen's approbation) during his 
 absence on the continent, but I do not derive any rank out of the 
 House of Lords on that account. 
 
 I think these are the chief points on which you wished informa- 
 tion, and which I hope will prove satisfactory. 
 
 I am your obedient servant, 
 (Signed,) Augustus Clifford. 
 To R. Kimber, Esq., 
 
 G.U.B.R., Quebec, Canada. 
 
 the lait 
 
 Zrd Letter from the same. 
 
 March 2nd, 1863. 
 
 Dear Sir, — I have received your letter, and have great 
 pleasure in given you any information in my power. 
 
 When the Sovereign is in London, the House of Lords go up 
 with the Address, that or the Lord Chancellor, with the mover and 
 seconder, the Clerk of the Parliament on his right, the Black Rod 
 on his left, and as many Peers who choose to attend in full dress or 
 in uniform, or levee dress. 
 
 The Lord Chancellor reads the Address, and the Queen reads 
 the answer, which is given to Her by the Secretory for the Home 
 Department, who also takes the address of the House of Lords to 
 be published in the Gazette. 
 
 This closes the ceremony in London. 
 
12 
 
 OFFICIAL POSITION AND DUTIES OF 
 
 But when the Queen is at Windsor or at Oshorne, or out of Town, 
 either the Lord Chamberlain or the Lord Steward, who are called 
 the White Wand, take down the Address and bring back the 
 answer, which has been prepared, and then it is read in both 
 Houses, in the Peers, either by the Lord Chamberlain or the Lord 
 Steward, in the House of Commons either by the Vice-Chamber- 
 lain or the Comptroller of the Household. 
 
 I think this is all you wish to know, but I shall be happy to 
 give you any further information. 
 
 I have the honor to be 
 
 Your obedient servant, 
 (Signed,) Augustus Clifford. 
 To R. Kimber, Esq., 
 
 G. U. B. R., Quebec, Canada. 
 
 4th Letter from the same. 
 
 January 14th, 1868. 
 
 My dear Sir, — I have received and lose no time in answering 
 your letter of the 20th of last month. 
 
 The appointment of the Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod is 
 in the gift of the Lord Chamberlain of the Household, and he 
 holds it by patent for life. 
 
 He is the first Gentleman Usher of the Sovereign, and " is 
 appointed by Her Majesty to attend upon the Peers in West- 
 minster Palace." 
 
 It was only after the fire in 1834 that, upon my suggestion and 
 upon a recommendation of a Committee of the House of Lords, 
 a residence was appropriated to him in the new Buildings, 
 which is at the south angle, corresponding to that of the Speaker 
 of the House of Commons. 
 
 It is a handsome residen'^e, consisting of a library, drawing- 
 room, dining-room, with suitable bed-rooms and a bath-room, " and 
 it is furnished by the Government." 
 
 The Lord Chamberlain has the appointment of the house- 
 keeper, but all the other attendants, such as door-keepers, mes- 
 sengers or porters are made by the Black Rod at pleasure, and 
 liable to be dismissed of, as well as the Yeoman Usher,'on misbe- 
 haviour. 
 
 With respect to the comparative rank with the Clerk of the 
 Parliament with Black Rod, their duties " are so difierent," that 
 it depends more on their personal rank .than any other, and being 
 myself a baronet I take precedence of Sir John Lefebvre.' 
 
•^—r^f^f'T^ 
 
 " 
 
 u 
 
 BLACK ROB ' IN IlfOLAKD. 
 
 13 
 
 My full dress and levee dress are those of the Queen's House- 
 hold, which is blue, embroidered with gold, but on ordinary day 
 attending I wear a full black dress suit. On one day, happening 
 to go to a levee without my Black Bod, the King told me I ought 
 always to bring it, for that when there "I was always on duty," 
 though excused from constant attendance on account of having to 
 attend on the House of Lords. 
 
 When the Parliament is prorogued the Building is in the cus- 
 tody of the Board of Works, like other Royal Palaces, and who 
 " at all times superintend the repairs, and warming and lighting 
 of the House." 
 
 The Sergeant who attends upon the Lord Chancellor is not an 
 officer of the House, " but of the Court of Chancery, and only 
 attends in that capacity." 
 
 You would find a correct account of all our "officials" in a book 
 called "The Laws of Honour," and particularly of the Queen's 
 Sergeant and Black Bod. 
 
 I enclose you a copy of that rel/ing to the " Sergeant," page 
 
 Your very obedient servant, 
 (Signed,) Augustus Cliffohd. 
 
 Copy of a Report considered and agreed to hy the Souse of 
 Assembly, 2Srd Wovember, 1854. — Journal of Legislative 
 Assembly, page 391. 
 
 e 
 
 That the Sergeant at Arms shall fill vacancies in his Depart- 
 ment, with the approval of the Speaker. 
 
 That in order to secure a strict supervision over the expendi- 
 ture of Your Honorable House, Your Committee are of opinion 
 that the Sergeant-at-Arms should have charge and supervision 
 over his Department and over the incidental expenses connected 
 therewith ; the fuel, furnishing and lighting the House and offices, 
 and adopting means for the purchase of supplies in his Department, 
 at the lowest possible price, and that the Accountant pay the 
 orders of the Sergeant-at-Arms for expenses incurred by him, 
 and render a separate account of Contingent Expenses of that 
 Department. 
 
 Resolved, — That this House doth concur with the Committee in 
 their said Beport. 
 
 The above-cited Beport, which was agreed to by the Legislative 
 Assembly "without opposition," shows that, after mature consi- 
 
14 
 
 OFFICIAL POSITION AND DUTIBB, ETC. 
 
 deration given to the subject, it was thought expedient and wise to 
 give the Sergeant-at-Arms of that house a duty, which not only 
 legitimately belonged to him, but which, for the better government 
 of the House, it was expedient and safe to do. It was found that 
 it was the only means by which a proper check could be placed 
 on both the daily expenses and the servants of the House. It was 
 found that it is safer that the officer who decides on the incurrences 
 of expenditure should not be the same officer who has the power 
 to draw on the public exchequer ; and finally, that every man has 
 a right to do his duty, and that it is iimply unjust to deprive him 
 of it. 
 
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