Star. — London, England, 1824-06-01 00:00:00

I ~~~ 1~ P"'" - I f~ ,;,i, 1 ti ~1 i 1, Priv Ile all classes of his Majesty's snbj ts to halm-equal privi legeadid not some paramount sk ork tifclittklead him to oppose the great measure Of timailtatton. In his (Earl Grey's) opinion, a system ot b Government had en couraged religidtand-Roliitcal p ' dices, and had t ale produced sueh* a the 11 fellbqtbd• entry by na ture, that made her our weakness rather than our strength. The country was favoured by every gift of Paovinznca ; the people were warm-hearted, high-spi rited, and generous ; and it must indeed have been fear ful misgovernment which had reduced it to its present state. Both Orangemen and Catholics were now ar rayed in arms against each other. Having said thus much, he would detain them no longer, but would in treat of their Lordships to grant the privileges of the Constitution to the Catholics. He stood not there as the apologist of any violence or intemperance of lan guage or conduct. Nothing of that kind should ever find an apologist in him. It was not his intention to , move anything on this Petition, but merely that it should lie on the table.—The Petition was then read at length. The LORD CHANCELLOR objected to the Peti tion as informal, because the matter of it was on two separate sheets of parchment. Earl GREY consented to withdraw it. EXCISE OATHS. .. - - The Earl of LIVERPOOL rose to move a measure on this subject, which he considered indispensably necessary. His object was to extend it to all Offices of the Revenue, except the General Lard. They were to be released from all oaths, except the oaths of allegiance and of office. Lord LA NSDOWN was glad to see that done directly which had been attempted to be done indirectly. After a few words from Lord Kum ' Lord Livaaroot brought in the Excise Oaths Bill, which was read a first time. Lord LA NSDOW N presented a Petition from the Catholics of the County and City of Limerick, which was worded in a most proper anJ respectful manner.—The Petition was read, and ordered to lie on the table. Lord HOLLAND presented a similar Petition from the Catho lics of New Ross, in the County of Wexford.—Ordered to lie on the table. Lord CA LTHORPE presented a Petition from Birmingham, against Negro Slavery.—Ordered to lie ou the table. Lord CA W DOR moved the second reading of the Welsh Judi cature Bill, and urged the necessity of assimilating the Jurispru dence of the Principalities to that of England. The LORI) CHANCELLOR opposed the Bill, as being totally unnecessary. The Marquiases of LANSDOWN and BUTE supported the Lill, which was however thrown out, on a division of 14 to 6. Adjourned at Nine o'clock. HOUSE OF COMMONS. Mr. PHILLIPS presented a Petition from Manchester ag linst the Manchester Loan Bill, stating that this Bill was brought for ward by the nme persons who wanted to obtain the sanction of Parliament to their measures by the Manchester Gas Bill.—Or dered to lie on the table. Two Petitions to the same effect, from the same place, were pre sented by Lord STANIZT, and ordered to lie on the table. The Bills for paying off the City Bondi were advanced one stage, and ordered to be ingrossed. The Report on the Irish Bogs Bill was brought up and agreed to. Sir W. LEMON presented a Petition from a place in Cornwall, fitaylng for the Abolition of Negro Slavery.—Ordered to lie on the table. Colonel PALMER presented a Petition front Bath, in favour of Mr. Smith's case.—Ordered to lie on the table. Mr. HOBHOLJSE presented a Petition from four Surgeons of London, praying for a law that no persons should practise Surgery who were not qualified by the College of Surgeons. Ile thought himself the regular Surgeons ought to beat out the quack doctors without the aid of Parliament.—(A laugh).—.The Petkien was or dered to lie on the table. Petitions in favour of Mr. Smith's case were presented, from Bridport, by Mr. Scow; from the Hibernian Missionary Society, by Sir IL SHAW ; from Sussex, by Mr..Buasst.t. ; from Sydenham, by Mr. POKTMAN ; from Mitcham, by Mr. Dseisos ; ftom by Mr. SYKES; front Ipswich, by Mr.HALDIMAND front Reading, by Mr. MoNcx ; from Basingstoke, by Sir Tuossas ; and from several other places, and were laid on the table. Petitions against Negro Slavery were presented, from Btlfast, by Sir R. SHAW ; from Stafford, by Mr. larnrron ; and were laid en the table. Lord EASTNOR presented a Petition from Hereford, against the Hides and Skins Bill.—Laid on the table. Lord BINNING presented a Petition from an individual at Ro chester, complaining of certain pecuniary injuries relative to the management of Dock-yards.—Laid as the table. Lord BINNING presented a Petition from Roxburgh against the Duty on Notaries Licenses.—Laid on the table. Mr. presented a Petition from Argyle, praying fur the freedom of the Spirit Trade.—Laid on the table. Mr. WODEHOUSE presented a Petition from Cambridge against the Bonding of Wheat.—Laid on the sable. Mr. PLO M Eli presented a Petition from the London Insurance Company against the Marine Insurance MlL—Laid on the table. Mr, Alderman THOMPSON presented a similar Petition from certain Underwriters at Lloyd's, and spoke shortly in fa vour of the Petition, contending that there was competition enough by tke present law. Mr. G REN FELL supported the Petition, which was referred to the Committee on the Bill. Mr. Secretary CANNIN i t 's' presented several Papers relative to the Commercial Treaty with Prussia, and the Commercial Arrange ments made with Sweden.—Ordered to be printed. Mr. CURTEIS presented a Petition front Sussex against the Bill for Bonding Wheat.—After a few words from Mr. C. Petaiast in its support, it was ordered to lie on the table. CATHOLIC CLAIMS. Mr. PLUNKETT rose to present a Petition from cer tain Roman Catholics of Ireland, praying for a removal a the legal disabilities under which they laboured.— The Right Honourable and Learned Gentleman ob served, that in presenting this Petition, he might as well state to the House, that he had no intention to go into the general question on this subject daring the present Session, or to invite any discussion upon the Peti tion he was about to introdole to the House. The Peti tioners warmly expressed tl,eir loyalty and affection for his Majesty's person, and their gratitude for the grace and kindness he strewed them during his visit to their country; and added, that they relied upon his Majesty's Royal word to discourage all religious discord ; and that they still relied upon that word, although they had been opprobriously treated by a faction, and even insulted by one of the Dignitaries of the Church.— He was sorry to find these expressions in the Petition, because he feared they had a tendency to revive those dissentions which it could not but be the interest of the Petitioners themselves to set at rest. In every other sentiment expressed by the Petition he heartily con curred. The Petitioners complained that power and honour were enjoyed only by a few, and that this ex clusive power induced pride and contempt in its pos sessors towards all others. The general language, in. deed the whole, with the exception he had mentioned, was correct and moderate, and such as he highly ap proved of. It was signed by 1800 persons, and was there fore not the Petition of the general body of Catholics. It was as the Petition of those individuals alone that he presented it. He thought it proper thus distinctly to express himself, t o avoid any possible misapprehension. He disclaimed any connection with any body of people whatever in Ireland. With regard to the present Pe tition, he should Merely move that it be printed. He did not, as he before observed, intend to found any motion upon it this Session. On this important ques tion he had always exercised, and always should exer cise his own unbiassed judgment; and he was induced to forbear making any motion this Session, because he believed it would be unavailing. Still, his opinion on t he s u bject was unaltered; and that opinion was formed -,.. '4on Niatured and dispassionate judgment. Indeed,' if he had any prejudice at all on the question, it would, not be a prejudice in favour of these Petitioners. It would rather be the other way. He was convinced of the justice of the cause of the Petitioners, of its urgency, and of its ultimate ' success—(Hear, hear, hear). He was convinced that it was absolutely certain it would succeed sooner or later; that its success was indeed as certain as any event depending upon physical causes. He repeated, that he had no wish to draw discussion upon the sabject at that moment. His only desire was to state his own individual opinion. He concluded by moving that the Petition be brought up.—The Petition was accordingly brought up, read, and ordered to lie on the table, and be printed. A Message from the Lords here announced their Lordships' assent to several Bills. 'inducing me to deviate troth that even course which I have - hitherto pursued, with what degree of pro priety I will leave this .HOuse and the Country to, judge—(Hear, hear) —and which it is my determine non steadily and fearlessly to move in for the future.— (Hear). The HonouVable Member may, above all things, assure himself, that in the prosecution of my duty as the Law Offiaer . and Public Prosecutor of t' he Crown in Ireland, it is my intention to exercise no left-handed justice- - ( Loud cries of Hear, hear); — and that every transgtesSion of the law, from whatever cparter or from whatever party it may emanate — (Hear, hear!)—shall, when it comes under my cogni sance, be prosecuted with strict and impartial justice. With respect to the H'6nourable Member himself, who has this evening not only expressed himself the advocate and vindicator of the Orange Association in Ireland, but openly avowed himself a member of that body, which I, as the Attorney General of Ireland, have pro nounced and do pronounce to be illegal—(icar, hear) I can assure the Honourable Member, that if he will furnish me with satisfactory proofs of the truth of his assertion, neither my respect for his rank, his wealth, nor the station which he holds amongst his party, will prevent me from doing my duty in enforcing the penal ties of the law against him—(Hear, hear, hear!) Now, Sir, one word as to the Catholic Association, with respect to the legality or illegality of which I do not feel myself bound to express any opinion at present; I can only say, that nobody is more convinced than I am, not even the Honourable Member himself, of the necessity of at tending to and closely watching its proceedings—(Hear, hear !)—and while I have the honour to occupy the situation which I now hold, I can as' ure the House (to that portion of the House who know me the assurance is I trust unnecessary) that I shall not be wanting, whe ther as a Legislator or a Public Prosecutor, to the faith ful, conscientious, and impartial di• charge of my duty. After the avowal which the Honour able Member has 'just made, I will not a--l; him why he has confined him self to a reprobation of the Catholic Association, having never originated or joined in any motion tor the sup pression of the Or a;ige which are at least equally dangerous to the tettce of the country, and have been pronounced illegal by this House. The Honour. able Member may per haps think he has discharged his duty by declaring, as he has done to-night, that he did not approve or their meeting in procession ; but I tell the honourable Member for Armagh, who has had the boldness to come forward in the face of this House, and avow his connection with a society which die laws nt liis country have denounced—(l - lear)—a society which has perpetuated the discontents of Ireland, and which has marked its pi ogress by scenes of violence and outrage and blood—(!'fear, hear)—that he has but imperfectly dicharged his duty by thus partially dis countenancing their proceedings. If Gentlemen (like the Honourable 'Member) of high birth, large fortune, and prominent station, will lend themselves to such a Society, and condescend to mix with the lowest dregs of mankind, they may find it difficult, when the hour of retribution comes, to disengage themselves from their associates. I would therefore recommend the Honeur able Member to reflect seriously upon this subject, and when he has done so, he may perhaps find that Ike advice with which he has favoured me this evening, might have been as well kept to himself:"—(Hear). Mr. M. FITZGERALD said, that from the period of the King's visit to Ireland, donir to nearly the prevent moment, the Roman Catholics had a disposition to bury their animosities in oblivion, and to shake hands with their opponents. They had only abandoned this pacific disposition, because the Protestant party had assumed an attitude of defiance—( Hear). Sir T. LETIIBRIDGE supported the Petition, and contended that the Orange Societies in Ireland were only established to counteract the influence of the Catholic Association. He thought that the Honourable Member (Mr. Brownlow) was entitled to the thanks of the whole empire for having brought the subject before the House. Mr. C. IdUTCIIINSON had heard the remarks of the Learned Attorney-General for Ireland with infinite satis faction, and be hoped that they had met with the appro bation 01 . all his colleagues. It was useless for the Right 11 , atonrable Secretary for Foreign Affairs to flatter him self that he had discharged his duty to the empire, whilst he left the Catholics of Ireland in their present state of oppression. He gave the Right Honourable Gentleman credit for the liberal policy which he had pursued since he came into office, with the exception of all that related to the Spanish war ; but he would not have done all that was expected of him until he had redeemed the pledge which he had given to the Catholic population of lielan , l—(llear). Colonel TRENCH observed, that whatever the inten tions of the Catholic Board might be, their proceedings were most disastrous to Ireland. He had looked at the proceedings of that self-constituted Parliament, under its Protector, O'Connell, with great alarm. They had recently recommended that the Catholic population in every part of Ireland should give every facility to the. collection of tithes in kind. The interpretation which he put upon this insidious proposition was, that it was in tended to prevent the Protestant Clergy from getting any tithes at all. Ile believed that the Catholic Asso ciation wished to see Catholic supremacy established in Ireland; and lie was sorry to say that he had heard lan gua4e in that House tending to a similar object. Mr. H. SUMNER supported the Petition, and corn.' plained of the conduct of the Irish Attorney-General in withholding an explanation upon the legality or ille gality of these most dangerous Catholic Associations. Mr. E. WARRE expressed his surprise that this sub ject should have been taken up in the tone and manner which had been adopted by those who supported the Pe tition, as if there was nothing worthy of the considera tion of Parliament in that which was unconsciously ad mitted by his Honourable Friend who presented the Pe tition—that the Catholic population of Ireland were so feelingly alive to the question of their religious rights, that there was scarcely man, woman, or child among them who was not able to couch a Petition to Parliament in proper terms upon that subject. Mr. BROWNLOW rose to reply. He complained that the Right Hon. Gentleman the Attorney-General for Ireland had not stated whether the Catholic Asso ciation was legal or not—(Hear, hear). He had as serted that if he (Mr. Brownlow) would give him infor mation respecting the Orange Associations of Ireland, he information ( tlreA t to r h n e e Ay-General) r e . n B e r r a o l ) w w th o o u w l p ) rosec uteready th e to m vTeh to better their r o p u rt n hi n t e r c yi Ora n gep—l e ( s H w e e a rre, Associationsh ear) understood,. werewb y as s o c k o nn i v n ouw i c n nh c , e that am mor e t more e e would they be taken from under the cloud by which on many occasions they were obscured. The Right Hon. Gentleman had expressly said, that the Orange As• sociations were illegal; but be had declined giving as - ____ --••• , tv -+,et . M ~~ IRISH INSURRECTION ACT. Sir H. PARNELL presented 'tile Report of the Irish Insur rection Act Committee, which Iris Ordered to lie on the table, and to be printed. Mr. GOULBURN then gave notice, that in pursuance of this Report. he ,should tomorrow move for leave to bring in a Bill to renew the Insurrection Act. Mr. ABERCROMBY objected to the early day named by the Right lionouraWe Gentleman. It would be impossible that Gentle men could have the evidence In their hands before to-morrow, and there would not be any time for them to possess them-elves of the facts which had come before the Committee, or their bearing on the question. The Insurrection Act new came forward ander en tirely different circumstances to what it had done formerly. Here tofore they had adopted the Insurrection Act upon the recommen dation of his Majesty's Government, now they were asked to adopt it upon the recommendation of a Committee. No answer was returned to the Honourable Member. CATHOLIC ASSOCIATION. Mr.BROWNLOW said, he held in his hand a Petition of as much importance as any which had been submitted to the House during the present Session. It was from certain individuals, inhabitants of Dublin. It was signed, indeed, by only 20 persons ; but had it been ex:)osed publicly to signature, it e oeld have been signed by thousands. He cared nor, however, whether it was signed by 20 or 20,000. The statements it contained were equally deserving the consideration of the House. It related to the Catholic Association assembled in Dublin, which had assumed to itself the functions of a Parliamentary Body. Not only had they their Board upon which Petitions were laid ; not only had they their Committees and their Reports; and done other acts (.1 parliamentary power and usage; but they had even directed a Census of the People to be taken; and mole than this, at a time whets the Ministers of the Country could not raise any direct tax in Ireland, this Board had made a call upon them for money ; and, he was soar ;• to say, the call had been answered. This Petition having been entrusted to him, and these being the ell cumstances set forth in it, he could not remain silent—be could not refrain from expressing his sentiments upon such pro ceedings, and he trusted the House would do the same. Ile could not but consider these proceeding s as an exciting to arms, as open and plain as could be expressed, con sistent with the personal safety of those who made it, and an attempt to delude a generous open-hearted people. So long as this Catholic Association existed in Dublin, it was folly to talk of freedom of speech in the House of Commons, on Irish affairs. Such freedom might be claimed and granted at the hrst of every Session ; but it would require more than a common degree of nerve, more than a common disregard of popular opinion, to enable a man to utter his opinions and sentiments on these subjects. The professed intention of this Assembly was to meet to petition Parliament ; but the real pur pose was, to afford an opportunity of making factious harangues, and exciting disaffection in the minds of a people labouring under temporary pressure. Ile would ask, was the education, the temper, or the general disposition of the Irish people, such as would enable them to detect and counteract such a cunning mode o' proceeding, or to distinguish or defeat its fallacy, or mischievous tendency? This Assembly, he knew sit would be said, met for the purpose of petitioning Par liament; but they had met and adjourned, and met and adjourned, from January to this time—(/feer, hear). — They had made speeches and harangues, issued opinions and declarations, and, in fact, done everything but pe tition; and he was decidedly of opinion, that their ob ject was not petitioning, but that they did intend, by boldness and daring, to appal and overawe the Govern ment. In his opinion, there was not a good and reiiCe.. able Catholic in Ireland who did not wish to get rid of these over-zealous friends, who, instead of set ving them, or promoting their Petition, were doing everything likely to forfeit for them the right of petitioning. He believed the object of this Board was their own interest, only, whilst they were pretending, bur most falsely, that they were the friends of the Catholics, and wished to promote their Petition. It was said by some that the Six Acts would not apply to this Board. lie had also been told that neither would the Act of last Session apply to them, because they held their meeting within doors ; but he could not help thinking, that had the At torney-General been as anxious to disperse this meeting as he was to convict the murderous bottle-thrower at the Theatre, a law might have been found which would have e ff ected that object. This, however, was a ques tion for a lawyer rather than for him, and he should content himself with calling on the House to adopt some declaration which should have the effect of putting an end to this assembly. He had been accused of describing Ribandmen and Orangemen as resembling each other. He had never said any such thing; lie could not, be cause he considered them as diameti ically opposite. He considered the Ribandmen to be what the Law Officers of the Crown had described them to be, a set of men going about to spread disturbance and disaffection to Government, amongst the people, whilst the Orange men, he conside:ed as a moderate, constitutional, and loyal body of men ; and as such he had described them. He had intended to have moved that the Petition should have been referred to the Committee which had been sitting to inquire into the disturbances existing in the riotous districts. Being, however, too late to adopt that course, he should now move that the Petition be brought up and read, and he should afterwards follow up that by a motion for its being printed.—The Petition was then brought up and read. Mr. PLUNKETT then rose, and expressed himself to the following effect: " Sir, I cannot but express my thanks to the Honourable Member for Armagh, for the personal kindness with which he has mentioned my name, while at the same time he has brought forward a grave and serious accusation against me, for having deserted my duty in declining to prosecute the Associa tion which he has this evening denounced, with the same zeal which I exercised towards those persons whom he has been pleased to term the • bottle throwers.' To be sure, the Honourable Member has in some degree qualified that accusation, by declaring his own igno ' Actioran ee Association—(Hear). es ( t H ate as o r). f the law as it may apply to this sso that nothing whi c h h e He may rest assured, however, can say will have the effect of • ' _ opinion respecting the Catholic Associations. He (Mr. Brownlow) would say that such an Association as the latter would not be allowed in England; and although no legal opinion had been given, yet he considered that it was at variance not only with the laws, but with tie constitution of the country. He thought that the Ca. tholic Association had transgressed the spirit of the laws and of the constitution, and he was anxious that the Right Honourable Gentleman should have givea his opinion upon it. Mr. PLUNKETT begged to offer a few observations in answer to what had fallen from the Honourable Member who had just sat down, and the Ilonourab1; Member for Surrey (Mr. H. Sumner), respecting hi s (Mr. Plunkett's) opinion with regard to the Catholic As. sociation. tie would throw himself upon the camit,:.r and fairness of the Haase whether they had a right press him for his legal opinion upon the subject?— , (Hear). The Honourable Member who presente,i :L e Petition stated that the Roman Catholic Asviiiati:.:lll.ld violated the it of the laws and constitution. W,„ Ile (Mr. Plunkett), being the public prosecutor of 1%1 11 ,4 bound to give his opinion respecting the legality of this Association ?—(Hear.) Ile would say, in answer to what bad fallen f►om the Honourable Member for n tequire t t. Surrey, that the Roman Catholic Associatio to be narrowly watched. He thought that it was cal. culated to endanger the public peace, and was calcu. lated to injure the cause of the Roman Catholics, unfor. tunately, rather than benefit them. Still he was ready ,to say, and he would not be drawn into a di.cussion urr the subject, that the Orange Associations were illegal, and he would still maintain the right to exercise Lis o wn discretion respecting them, but be would not give a legal opinion respecting the Catholic Association. Mr. Secretary CANNING, though not bound to pay any attention to the call made upon the Ministers of his MiajeAy's Government, was anxious to exempt himselt from any blame. The Hon. Gentleman had disappointed him, inasmuch as that he had produced no specific substantial subject, upon W Lich an opinion could be ei pressed one way or the other, as he (Mr. Canning) Lad r eason to expect. Ile did not agree that any Gentleman had a light, upon the mete loans of presenting a peti tion, to call on the Ministers of his Majesty's Govern ment to raise and eti.cuss a question connected with the weightiest affairs of the Empire. He, for one, would not admit that obligation. Ile held, on the contrary, that such a course was full of inconvenience. 'the mo tion which the Honourable Gentleman made, however, was merely that a petition should he allowed to lie on the table. To that be could have no'object:on, Ile would not have objected, had the Honourable Gentie man proposed to refer the petition to the Irish Cornnft• tee now sitting up stairs, reserving any thing which !e might have to say upon the whole matter until it had been made the subject of a particular motion. But nf all things which could he asked of the Administration of a Government in that house, surely the most imp -0 would be that of requiting them to lay down the law to the House ; to demand a legal opinion of them where the law was only supposed to be indefinite, was surely the most mistaken notion of their functions which could be conceived. He hoped that when they did offer their opinions, they would always be expressed in a manner which would claim respect from the House. For his own part, he sought no more of that respect ;It consideration of the station which he had the honour to hold in the Government, than might be claimed as n ell by any other Member of Parliament. Out of that flown it would be his duty, in doubtful cases of an ordinal r character, to consult the Law Officers of the Cro , ..:i!. Though he was free from any responsibility as to ditecl ing the opinions of the House upon such a paint, Low ' ever, lie could have had no difficulty its expressing his opinion generally upon the character of these Asqkia tions. Out the most difficult of all duties which evtr could devolve upon a Government, was that exerci-e of prudence and firmness which was requited of them by the use to which free institutions were occasionally ap plied, and the feelings and expressions to which institutions gave rise. There was the nice question to decide, whether success in the end would retrieve all the hazard of a conflict—whether there was not tour dan ger in a strenuous opposition to things of no lasting im portance, than could be incurred by passiveness and forbearance—whether the strong arm of the law could effect the whole object aimed at ; or, failing to do than, if the first endeavour would still he deemed wise awl expedient—whether, in shat, there would not he mac danger, and infinitely more of ulterior evil, to be dreaded, by having to come out of Court defeated, and tollowed by the insolent triumph of a party already too little submissive to rule, than could be apprehended troth passing by an evil, destined from its very nature, and the agents engaged in it, to sink into speedy insignificatiCt. Then, if the opinion of Ministers should be, after the most faithful deliberation, that there was no law for the case, another question would interpose itself—ought they to apply to the Legislature to enact a law? It could by no means follow that the House must deem it wise to create a law for the case. In that, again, they must be determined by circumstances, moving in their deliberations wisely, cautiously—timidly, he had almost said—not timidly as to the mere sense of danger, but in the comparison between exigencies of the period, and the probabilities of future and contingent dangers. As at present advised in his own mind, he certainly would give no opinion upon the applicability of the existing law ; neither would he be tempted by anything which the Hon. Gentleman might say, to go into a discus sion upon one of the gravest subjects which could be agitated in that House. It was not necessary for hint to express any opinion after this upon the Catholic Asso ciations, which were always more dangerous to the in terests of the Catholic body than to those of the country at large. Wishing well to the peace of Ireland, but doubting, from the temper in which the Honourable Gentleman had brought forward the Petition, that any thing which could occur in the present discussion would be found conducive to that end, he earnettly wished to see a conclusion put to it; and with that view could have no objection to the referring of the Petition to the Committee sitting upon the disturbances in the Sout:l4 of Ireland. The SPEAKER said, there was some mistake re specting the Motion which was before the Hotte. The Honourable Member who had given notice on the sub ject applied to him to know whether, if in putting his name down upon the Speaker's paper for the presenta tion of the Petition, he could come forward afterwards and move that it should be referred to a Committee above stairs? The answer he (the Speaker) gave was, that it could not be complied with ; for according to Sessional rule certain days in each week were named in which the orders of the day had precedence of motions, and this was one of those days. Besides, the custom of the House was, that notice of motions of importance r