Star. — London, England, 1828-11-04 00:00:00

fairly, and spontaneously, their seise of the great im portance of the principle of religious liberty, and of the necessity of appl)ing that principle practically and im medi ,t-1y to the case of the Roman Catholics of Ire land. It was tor this reason that though there were many around the Chairman o ith names more cele brated, yet he felt no hesitation in standing forward. at what was pre-eminently and peculiarly a meeting of the people, to express, as one of the people, those com mon feelings and common principles, in the expression of which he was sure his own voice would find an echo in every honest mind, and in every generous feel ii g. " Sir, this Meeting is to me something intent. vile and animating-1 understand why we are thus met together—we ate friends of religious liberty, and we are come to declare our firm and deep-seated con viction that no man ought to be harrassed in ho. person, in his property, or in his prospects, because he believes in a tong creed, or because he believts in a short creed, or because he believes in no creed at all. Sir. like you, I have no hesitation in avow ing myself a Dissenter, and this is a dissenting prin ciple—like you, I have no hesitation in avowing myself a Protestant, and this is a Protestant prin ciple; like you, I am a Christian. and this is the principle of Christianity; like you, I am a man, and this is an assertion of the common right of humanity. But in all my theological studies it has exceedingly perplexed me to learn how it can be a Protestant prin ciple to break f rith with Catholics under the impression that, at some time or other, perchance the Catholics may break faith with us. We are told that the Treaty of Limerick is so long ago that we are not to bear that in mind, and that the Union is so very recent that we are not to fulfil that yet, and so they deal with the Catholics as they dealt with the Dissenters; for when, according to the author of the " Continuation of the Tale of the Tab," Jack was foolish enough to hang himself upon Ma►tin's promise to cut him down, we find that at least a century and a half elapsed before the work was effected.— I have yet to learn that it is a Protestant principle that the great majority of the nation is to be sacri ficed to a contemptible minority, that this minority is to monopolise all political power, all prospects of honour, influence, and emolument, and that re ligion itself is to be made the means of enriching a faction and impoverishing a nation. I have yet to learn that it is a Protestant principle—not to do unto others as we would that they should do unto us—if they are quiet to insult them as tame slaves—if they speak to brand them as seditious murmurers, and to endeavour , to aggravate them into seditious murmurings that they may be brought under the vengeance of the law, and from seditious murmurings into hasty insurrection, that their blood may be sacrificed to the faction which has, plundered them. These, Sir, are not the Protestant' principles of my edecation, and intellect must make a march indeed if these principles are to be recognised. The Dissenting principle I have learnt is, that every man is to lookto the Government to protect him in his person and p'operty; but that with his. faith and his wo•ship the Government has nothing whatever to do; and that the meddling of Government with it is an in vasion of power never delegated to it, and a nuisance which ought to be abated in every well regulated State. After a few more observations, the Rev. Gentleman sat down amidst loud applause. The CHAIRMAN then alluded to Mr. Shiel's speech at Penenden Heath,which, he observed, every person would acknowledge to be premeditated ;and concluded by giving the following toast— " Our distinguished guest, wbose spkndid and powerful exer tions in the cause of civil and religious liberty entitle him to the applause of Bilious and the gratitude of Irishmen." The toast was received with great applause, and Mr. SHILL, having come forward, addressed the Meeting as follows:-11r. Chairman and Gentlemen, When I look around we, when I contemplate this scene of political conviviality, when I see this large assembly of the citi zeris of London of every denomination, and when, tarn-, ing from the generous spectacle which this room pre-' sei ts, I direct my eyes to individual objects; when I see beside me not only eminent politicians, not only per. sons distinguished as the leaders of party, but when I also behold men who have run the path of intellect, leaving the seclusion of their studies for the purpose of , mixing in this assembly—believe me, ,Sir, that I am • not sufficiently vain to attribute to myself—to attri• bute to the individual who, at this moment, with a faltering accent and palpitating heart, addresses you —this combination of most honourable circumstances. The incense is not offered 16 the image of clay, but to the sacred principle which, perhaps, it inefficiently re presents. I: is not to me that this distinction is paid. You are convened for the better purpose of making a splendid manifettation of the feelings that you enter lain towards the country, and of making a noble proclama tion of your ardour in the glorious cause of civil and religious liberty to the world. You are assembled for the purr se of expressing your assent in the sacred maxim, that men of all minds—that the interests of all countries—that the professors of all creeds, should be included in the comprehensive principle of universal toleration. At the came tune that I dui—even in the outset of what I am about to speak to you—thus stu diously disclaim any immediate reference to my se.f from this assembly, yet I am sure that you will not ct•nsider me guilty of egotism If I venture for a moment to speak a little about myself—(No, no) . When I was apprised that a Alle..ting was to' take place at Penenden Heath, of my own accord, without having consulted any person whatever, I left my country in order to attend it. It is untrue, as has been suggested, that I was deputed by anybody. It was entirely my own act, and I did so from a convic tion that a Roman Catholic, addressing an assembly of Englishmen, would be enabled to press his case with that earnestness and that force upon them, which, if it aid not succeed in changing their opinions, would, at .41 events, have the effect of mitigating their hos.i -I.toei. Protestants of the most eztraordmary talents, of great power, and of iudisputable integrity, have advocated our cause, in a manner which imposes a per. toaorot obligation upon us; but, at the same time, I cahoot help saying that I have often been surprised, in. IR-tubing speeches delivered by Protestants, that there were many topics upon which they did not sufficiently rely. Protestants, in reasoning in favour of Catholics, wirl argue systematically, and will quote historical ref , recce, and will display a power of logic ; but, when a Roman Catholic comes to plead his own cause, when he is told he places no value on an oath, he appeals, in answer, not to the understanding, but to the heart, and, by his exclamations of abhorrence—by ejaculations—by kiting up his hands and eyes to Heaves to protest agaiost the calumnious imputation—he sends to his hearers the internal evidence of the truth. I said to myself, 4 4 Roman Catholics 7143 accused of being the advocates of slavcry, and of having servile Lions." Protestants have denied it. The denial of the Roman Catholic I thought wouid come *aft much mute force. I thought that I should be able to tuts my heart into my protestation, and to give a force and energy to my assertions, in deprecating the calumnies, that would have carried conviction to those about mail I own I did anticipate that Englishmen woulti have! acted in consistency with their natural character, and that, before they had condemned, they would at all events have heard.—Mt. S. went over the proceedings taken by the Catholics at different periods from 1778 downwards to gain their object. He asked, . 1 What is the Catholic Association?" Perhaps you tell me that you all know—yet you may labour under a misappre hension. The Roman Catholic Association is not a Society affiliated through She mediums of oaths and obli gations, with a fixed systeM of ordinances, and attended with any one of the incidents and accompaniments cf confederacy. Every Roman Catholic, who pays a small sum of money, becomes at once a member of this Asso ciation, which has no form—which has no ceremonies —which has no pomp, which has but one officer, with a small annual salary ; and which Association—as it owes its birth to the feelings of the people—to the feelings of the people owes also its maturity and its consolida tion. The Catholic Association was born of the public wrongs, and to the public wrongs owes its present pre. eminence and influence. I shall be told that the measures adopted in that body,and that the language used in that body, deserve censure. Let es see what the measures were. There are two to which your attention ought to be especially directed—the Catholic Rent is one, theElecti ye Franchise is the,other. What high crimes arid misde meanours have we committed in the institution of the Catholic Rent? Is not the money our own !—(A pplauie). Have we not a right to create this national treasury for the protection of the people ? How has the Catholic Rent been employed ? I have spoken of its institution ; let us see its application. It has been employed in ob- I taining justice in the public tribunals for the wronged and ovraged peasant. It has been employed in protect ing the Catholic freeholder from the tyranny of the aristocrat. Some persons have alleged that the money was collected to be put into our own pockets. I am loth to speak of myself; but this I will say, I left my pro-! fession in Dublin, and sacrificed my timeit matter of value to a lawyer ; and when payment was offered to me out of the Catholic Rent, I spurned it. It was said that, when I was Counsel lot O'Connell in the county of Claire. I received 300 guinea'. 1 did not receive one groat. Our accounts are accurately kept, our books are open to the public eye. We have a pecuniary register; let the most eminent accountant investigate these books, and I defy him to place his finger on a single item in which corruption, pecuniary or otherwise, can be traced. So much for the Catholic Rent. We are then told we made an improper use of the elective fran chise. What! when the elective franchise was placed in our hands, will any man say we were not to use it for the purpose of a:taining the legitimate ob ject of Catholic Emancipation? Will any man be bold enough to say that the elective franchise is placed in the hands of the peasant in trust for the land lord ? Such a doctrine as that will scarcely be broached. We told the people what their rights were, and, thank GOD, the people evinced a spirit that shows them to be worthy the exercise of those rights. I have told you how the people's money was applied. How did we apply the elective franchise ? We applied it in turn ing Orangemen out .of Westmeath, Monaghan, Water ford, and out cf Louth. Su much for the Catholic Rent—so much for the elective franchise. They gave us the elective franchise. In giving us that, they vii tually.gave us every thing. They gave us the engine with which, at last, we will batter down all the bul warks of intolerance that stand against us. I come new from our measures to our language. Let me tell you that an Athenian, one day, went into the study of a celebrated orator of antiquity with a calm and unper turbed manner. The orator turned round -and asked him what was his business? The Athenian answered, in a mild sod gentle tone, " Sir, I was met by my enemy in the public way, who struck me, and threw Me down." 4. I do not believe you," said Demos thenes. " Not believe me !" cried the Athenian ; " I tell you my enemy met me in the public way—struck me, and threw me down." " Hold," said Demosthenes, ." I believe you; your eye is on fire ; your hand is clenched; you speak like a man who has sustained a wrong." Are we to speak like men who have sustained no wrong—(Cheers)? If we ate, I will tell you what would be told us—that which Lord Grenville said in the House of Lords (it is recorded in Burke's Letters to Dr. Latorence)—" The Catholics speak in so mild a tone, and are so tranquil, it is quite clear that they have nu real grievance to complain of. The wrongs of our country are not of a na'ure to beset forth in well-regu lated and mellifluous language. The groans of Ireland are not to be turned into a set of Irish Parliamentary melodies; but when we complain of wrongs, and demand redress, we only do it in obedience to tne instructions and prompting' of human nuture. (Mr. Shicl here dilated at some length, and in no measured terms. against the Brunswick Clubs, and then proceeded)— I will state to you what I conceive to be the princi ples of the Roman Catholics of Ireland. It has been doubted whether we are advocates for Parliamentary Reform. We are so to a man—(Cheers). Observe, yeu should not wonder that the Catholics of Ireland have nut engaged in the cause of reform with the same zeal in which you have engaged in it. Observe, the Catholic Question engrosses all—it is like a single wish,that must, of necessity, exercise a species of exclusive ascendancy. Until the wrongs which we suffer are redressed, it is almost impos s ible that we s h o uld_ direct our attention to any other. The sense of the grievance is so exclusive —the torture that we suffer in the whole form prevents. eas feeling a pang that might be sustained in a single limb; but let the question of Catholic Emancipation be at once settled, and you will soon find that the very preparation which the national mind will have under gone in the discussion of the Catholic question will render it more capable of obtaining Reform. There is another topic upon which I will say one word. It is alleged -that we are separatists from Great B i i• tam. That I 'Lost solemnly and emphatically deny. MI we want is that England should raise us up to a level with herself. Let England make Ireland not a bondslave, but a companion, and we shall become her zealous, devoted, chivalrous, and enthusiastic cham pion. I am passing over the se t ropics rapidly, but it is right the public mind should be informed upon them. It is said we are the slaves of our Priests— and what sort of men' do you think our Priests are? Do you think they are the slaves of as Inquisition ? Do you think they are a set of men whose minds lie prostrate in the doctrine of passive obedience ? I defy any one to point out any assembly where Catholic Priests have been gathered together, in which there has been heard one single sentiment that had the smallest tincture of slavery or oppression. Do I mean to say the Catholic Priesthood have no influence ? GOD for bid. What do they ? Take the case of a Catholic Yr iest—he lives with the ptor—he consorts with them rtlame is an honourable dependence between both —there is a noble Christian reciprocity—he gives them consolation, instruction, and hope—they give him his livelihood ; and when lie eats his bread, 'be breaks it In remembrance of the poor. In the dead of the night a knock ii heard at the door of the priesthe e is a t n o d l d en th tr a e t a o ts ne h i d s s h p i it s p it a e r a i i sh a i ss on i s e t r a e nte ea . goes from his dwelling; the wind and the sleet ate beating in his face; he arrives at the hovel of the bed of t death , He expiring peasant; he takes his seat beside t h e b e d of pestilential straw, and receives in his ear the whisper that relieves the heart from guilt. though the lips I f the sinner should be tainted with disease—and are you surprised that such a man should have influence? —(Loud cheering). Is that very abhorring ? Is that very astounding? Do the parsons want to gain such influ ence? Let them and the priests enter into competition, and let the hovel of the expiring peasant be the theatre of their contention. Well any man tell me the Catho lic priesthood have had power to controul the popu 'lation against their political duty as citizens? Look at the facts in the county of Clare. The Priests presumed to disobey the people. What was the consequence ? As leaders they were deserted. They protested against the proceedings of Captain Rock, and the people would not listen. They have an impelling but they have not a resisting power. The Priests area spur, 1).1 they ate not a rein. The Priests are omnipotent when they lead on, but they are impotent when they lead back.. Let the Priests cry "Charge!" and the peasant will u and let the Priest cry " Halt and the peasant w proceed o in his career. So much for the influence theof tisle. Catholic Priesthood.—Before I sit down, I wish to allude to one circumstance, which has excited among certain panics a prepossession unfavourable to our causethat is, a disposition on our part to sacrifice the rights of the forty-shilling freeholders. I acknow ledge this was a mistake, an egregious mistake which they had to regret; but it was only a mistake. and we have done every thing to remedy it. But the fact is, we did not know. a that time the generous virtue of the Irish people—we were ignorant of the race we had to deal with—(Applause)s We did not know how far we had succeeded in making them alive to their own interests, and the interests of their country. But who was it that raised them to that condition—who was it that taught them in exercise their own judgment and act for thertnelves?—We. Who made the forty shilling freeholders what the% are ?—We. We taught them to appreciate the station which• they held—to entertain that public spirit and honourable feeling which they have since displayed, so much to the satisfaction of every friend of liberty. We diffused into them that hope, and inspired them with that spirit which proved that they were anything but the men they had been. Formerly they were regarded and treated like domestic swine; but the time had come when they displayed their inherent power, re sisted oppression, and turned back on their drivers. The people now know their tights, and they are deter mined to assert them. I find, however, that I have tre•passed on your time too long—(Goon). I am placed in peculiar circumstas cr., and I regret that I am obliged to expend the public time in details of this description. There is one point, however, which I cannot avoid turn ing to, and I should be glad to know what I to say on the subject before Igo back. That point is, what do Government intend to do? Do they really intend to do any thing for the unfortunate people of Ireland ? Do they mean to put down the Catholic Association, to im prison the Catholic leaders, to proclaim martial law? If they do, I can tell the Duke of Wellington that his sword may lop off the branches, but he will find the trunk too massive for his sabre to cut—(Great applause). Is this the moment to withhold justice to Ireland, when through the telescope which conveys to us the events that pass around, we can discover the eagles of Russia on the towers of Varna, -and see them winging their flight to the spires of Constantinople? Is this the time that Ireland is to be trifled with, and seven millions of people denied their jest and unalienable privileges? Is this the time to make enemies of a whole people? It is almost enough to stir up the bones of Chatham from his rave, to rise up in judgment against such proceedings. hat a contumely, that, for every buffet Russia gives England, England should act as she now does, and trample, as it were, in spite over oppressed Ireland. We have been often told that we are intemperate, that the &gild) are a proud people, and will not be bullied —(langhter); but she is bullied by France, she is bullied by Russia, and is she not to be bullied by Ireland?' Is not this, in fact, the conduct of a domestic tyrant, who has been insulted in public, and who returns home to vent his rage and shame on the feeble dependents of his household ? But do not think—GOD forbid ! I insinuate that all Englishmen treat us thus.. Oh, no I And if it were necessary to produce one instance in favour of a contrary opinion, I could not fix on a better than the admirable, eloquent, and impressive address which we have just heard from a Dissenting Clergyman. If any other proof were required. I am convinced that this large and noble assembly would furnish me with it; but it is not necessary—the enlightened part of the community are with us. Indeed. I have no hesitation in saying, that the mass of latelligence—the greater part of the educated classes—are decidedly on our side. Gentlemen, I have done—only one word more. My heart labours with the impression I feel on witness. ing the manner in which you have received me. I shall with pride testify to the people of Ireland the conduct of the Dissenters of England, in order to convince them that they will not, alter having been manumitted them selves. employ their unmanacled hands to rivet the chain of their fellowssubjects—(lireat applause), but that they will be raised in humble supplication for the deb.', liirery of their companions in captivity (Loud cheering). The CHAIRMAN, after thanking the last speaker fur the flattering manner in which he had alluded to him, proposed the health of Alexander Dawson,. Esq. Mem ber for Louth. The CbIAIRMAN then proposed a toast which be was sure would be received well by every friend of liberty and tukratiou. " The health of the Bishop of Norwich." Mr. IL HUNT nest addressed the Meeting, and was received with a mixture of appi,use and disapp i rebation. The cries of " Off, off." (though not from the majority in the room) prevented his being heard for a time. • The Cuatessau begged the meeting to bear him, and regretted that a few should have the power to disturb the order of the meet ' ins by opposition to the hearing of any man. 31r. Hume then proceeded. He said that be bad not ripcord any opposition at that meeting. He had been grossly abused in some of the Irish papers, and by his friend Mr. lawless. He denied.' however that he had at the late messing, or at any period of his life, publicly or privately, said any thing against the c l a i ms a the Catholics. He admitted those claims to be founded in justice, but he thought they had little chance of success until a reform was carried into Parliament, of which at present he bad not much hope. One elPet of emancipation would, be thought, be, that the Irish Catholic aristocracy would be found to side with Government against reform. (Cries of " No.") This was his opinion. and he d it candidly, though it did not amount in his opinion to an objection to emancipation. He then referred to the late pseudo,' at Petienden-heath, and expressed his surprise that the press should, almost without exception, have ascribed the majority to the Ikuns wickers, when it was clear—at least he thought so, and Ise bad some experience of public meetings—(" Hear, and a laugh)—that' out of the 25,000 or 30,000 persons present, the Brunswickers did not amount to more than 8,000 or 10,000. lie did not blame the' reporters, many of whom be knew and respected, but it was strange that they should have agreed in mis.stating the fact; but he sup. posed that from the position in which they were, they saw only the crowd of Brunswickeis (who were all kept together), and who might thus have appeared the tr.sjority to those who bad not an op. portunity of looking over the whole meeting. One thing, however was certain, that a few more ► such triumphs would comp l ete l y rpl ; the Brunswkk party ; sod indeed they seemed to feel this, for no lasightet). 14 44 attempt has since been made to tall a *nib, thettia: i n .._ county. He should like in see his friend Sir 11,..., 1 -711 get up such a meeting in Somersetabire—(A Loth). 4 1 1 S Hunt) had no doubt, that If that happened, het ssidd h ott,l give a good account of she Ilan. Bart —r s himself that he would defeat him on his imn r ove lit l:S after some further remarks, was proceeding. bu t th, II impatient, and he sat down. Mr. W$4.11•11111 next rose, and insisted on his tamer, • 1 ., thistle Association,* being given from the Chair ; bat ,1 0 7 1 deal of confusion and uproar, the Chairman decided the Rh not, agreeably to the regulations of th e Committee it 1 4 the toasts, be admitted. The next toa.t was, 0 L i be rt yy Jry, and may it 1644 Liberty of the Pm. and to the Sebiect." The Csraistatan then proposed '• 'llse health of Ta ft . cal bell, Esd " Mr. CAMPIELL returned thanks. The company dull not break up till a late hoar. TH 14 EVENING STA _ LONDON. TUESDAY. NOVEMBER 4, 1828 XING WILLIAM LAIIIMID••••1110LIDAT Tag L„r. FORRION FUNDS, TWO triCl.ocL Brazilian Ilds. 5 pet. I •Do. Acct. 351 / i Do. Acct. 651 j Porteg.llds. spl'. ssi i Buenos Ayres Ilds.6p C. 471 Do Acct. 511 / i Colombian 11.1..6 wet. 171 Rum lids. 1ti22.5 pc t.% Greek 116.11125. 5 pet. Spanish Lids 5 p q. iii Do. Acct. 174 12 110 Acct.!! i Me: Buis. Sp Ct. 26 Ditto 85, Ili Me5.11411125,6p Ct. 33i Do. Acct. BRITISH AND FOBBION SHAKICS. TWO (Mu tt. 1111•1116 5511*. Solana 300 309 CS &annum 3S 20 et c Colombian . 100 25 lii Hibernian 50 9 51 Alliance British and Foreign 100 lit Si Protector Fire 20 2 Xi ttsd Plurals Gas SO 53 3ti This morning we received, by Express t! pj Papers of the 2tl init. The Moniker of that dame% tains an official dispatch hum the Commander of t i t French forces in the Mores, giving an account of th e occupancy of Navarin, Modon, Coron, and Panes, the troops under his orders. It appears that alter ih e departure of IBRAHIM PAQHA for Egypt, the hem found some difficulty in getiing possession of thew lu. tresses, the respective Tut kish Commanders ells* that as the PORTS was not at war with Ft Mkt England, they should not surrender the torts entrust to their care, though no act of hostility would be cm mitted. The object was, however, accomplished, ail, out having recourse to compulsory measurer, and pot session was obtained of the whole without bloodshed cs either side. According to the French General's account i ° rile state of these places, they are all in a very taints condition, particularly Navarin, which he describes art heap of infected ruins, affording no resources for thee, tablishments which are indispensable for his forces, a in which every thing remains to be create.!. The pi scalers are all to be sent home. Coron is to be delmee up to the Government of Greece, as soon as it can srti a force sufficient to take possession of it. The Brig naval force, under the orders of Admiral Sir %V. PL. TopreT MALCOLM, appears to have actively co-oral with the French in all these enterprises. We obits the official dispatch : PROM TVS MONITION, NOV. 2. PARIS, Nov. 1. His Excellency the Minister of War has received following dispatch from the Lieut. General the N quis de Maison : • Head-quarters, /Uvula, Ott. I I. " Sir—l had the houour to inform your Excellency, by my dispatch of the sth, that, Ibrahim having mild the day before, I was preparing to attack the format of Messenia, in case they should refuse to surrender. " In consequence, on the 6th in the morning, Ico dered Major General Higonet to put himself at the heal of the 16th Regiment of the Line, of one detachn,ec: of Artillery, and one of Engineers, to take up a posing@ near the citadel, and to enter into a parley for the dt• liverance of that place. " General Higonet went in person to see the GM. nor, who said he was ill. Admiral de Rigny,shoW come to the spot, also went to him, but both hark; obtained only evasive answers, which amounted to thu, 14 The Porte is not at war with the French or the Lag. lish; no act of hostility will be cummitteal, but the plan will not be given up ; orders to march against the for tress were given, and rapidly mewed. " Colonel Viscount De Lahite, scarcely recorerel from a serious illness, had placed himself at the heal of a detachment of his artillery ; Lieut. Col. Mil* a. tected a detachment of uppers ; and Colonel Who. l of the 16th of the line, was at the head of four chose, ;companies of his regiment. Several English Hari Officers bad joined our troops to combat at their side es Colonel Audoy's sappers rendered practicabk a aLcient breach; General Higonet mounted it at the head of the troops that I have just named, and rig' 'crated into the town, and thence into the citadel, *c lout meeting with any resistance. The most palest order was preserved in this operation. " We found in Navarin 60 pieces of meson, 50 of i which were mounted and loaded, magazines of prim' slops for several months, 800,000 cartridges, and water for 30 days. The garrison was composed of the 4.9 h Egyptian battalion. of 400 men, 70 gunners, and 60 Maniote Turks. It will be immediately embarked it/ Egypt, with it; arms and baggage. 1 have ordered the colours of the tlvee Allied Powers to be hoisted on nee of the towers of the citadel. The fortifications of %a• 'aria are in a bad condition, as well as the atoney that we have found in it. The town is only a heap of infected ruins, and offers no resources for the establish- Men!! which ate indispensable to us. We have eve!? `thing to create. " On the 6th, while the movement upon Navarin executing, I had sent General Durrieu, the Chief rim' Staff, to summon Modun to surrender. Achill: per commanded the Egyptians, and Hassan Pacha the Turks in the fortress. As they agreed in nuking the same answer that had been given at Navarin, or the following day, the 7th, I sent the I,stb regiment of tire line, Colonel Rulliere, a detachment of sappers,