commenced on the 8th of January. Since the 10th of March, I don’t recollect how many jobs I have been engaged in; they are so numerous I can’t recollect. The orders which Mr. Murray gave me, were to go and purchase the Reformers’ Address at the defendant’s shop. I had not any general directions to buy at this or that shop—not from Mr. Murray. I had from other persons, general directions to make purchase of works; one of those persons was Mr. Sharpe.
He is the Honorary Assistant Secretary?—Yes.
(All the preceding questions excited considerable sensations amongst the audience, and produced a chorus of humourous tittering).
Mr. Justice Best.—The effect of these questions, Mr. Cooper, you must feel. You cannot wish, I am sure, to excite the sort of response which comes from below the bar. You must see that it is done on purpose. You cannot wish, I am sure, to produce that effect.
Mr. Cooper.—My Lord, I am the last man in the world to do any thing inconsistent with the gravity and decorum of a Court of Justice. I disclaim any such intention; and I must disdain the insinuation of Mr. Gurney, that I have taken up this cause for the purpose of adding to the public odium in which the honourable Association is held.
Mr. Gurney said his learned friend, Mr. Cooper, was mistaken; he had never insinuated anything of the kind.
Mr. Justice Best.—I am sure no gentlemen at the bar would wish to produce the effect which all the questions put by you have had below the bar.
Mr. Cooper said he could not control the feelings of the auditory. He was only anxious to do his duty to the best of his humble ability, and nothing should deter him from discharging that duty freely and undauntedly.
Cross-examination resumed.—What is the office of the Honorary Assistant Secretary?—It is to do every thing at the office.
To superintend the business of the office?—I consider him as the acting manager.