Justices Manisty and Watkin Williams declined to hear friendly action by Gurney against Bradlaugh for not taking his seat. Pleadings to be readjusted. July. Affirmation Bill, introduced by Duke of Argyll in House of Lords, defeated. 11. Prosecution begun against Bradlaugh, Foote, and Ramsey by Sir Henry Tyler, before Lord Mayor, for "publication of blasphemous libels" in the _Freethinker_. 21. Bradlaugh "committed for trial." Bail accepted. Nov. 10. Justice Mathew declined to hear Gurney's action on readjusted pleadings, and discharged jury. Dec. 18. Bradlaugh's action against Mr Erskine dismissed by Justice Field. 1883 Feb. 2. Second _Freethinker_ prosecution begun, Bradlaugh not being included. 20. Government moved for leave to introduce an Affirmation Bill: motion carried by 184 votes to 53. Mar. 5 and 6. Bradlaugh's appeal in the Clarke suit heard by the House of Lords, he pleading in person. 6. Foote, Ramsey, and Kemp sentenced to terms of imprisonment in _Freethinker_ prosecution. 9 and 17. Bradlaugh's action against Newdegate for "maintenance" heard by Lord Coleridge, Bradlaugh appearing by counsel. April 9. House of Lords gave judgment for Bradlaugh in his appeal, with costs. 10. Bradlaugh separately tried on the first _Freethinker_ indictment before Lord Coleridge and a jury. Verdict of acquittal. 23. Lord Coleridge gave judgment for Bradlaugh against Newdegate, with costs. April 24 and 25. Foote and Ramsey (now prisoners on conviction in second prosecution) tried before Lord Coleridge and a jury on the original indictment. After the judge's summing up, the jury disagreeing, the Crown decided to abandon this prosecution (prisoners already very heavily sentenced). 23-May 3. Debate on second reading of Affirmation Bill. Bill rejected by a majority of 3--292 against and 289 for. May 4. Bradlaugh again presented himself to be sworn. Northcote moved that he be not allowed to take the oath. Being allowed to speak, Bradlaugh made his _Fourth Speech at the Bar_. Mr Labouchere moved the "previous question," and was defeated by 271 votes to 165. 1883 July 9. Bradlaugh having notified his intention again to present himself (by way of raising a testing action at law) Northcote moved his exclusion. Carried by 232 votes to 65. 19. Bradlaugh began test action against the Sergeant-at-Arms