The National Register. — London, England, 1822-06-24 00:00:00

the situation of Catholic Peers in this country. From the time of the reformation to the fifth of Elizabeth, an act existed, ci ii. pelting members of Parliament to take the oath of supremacy.— A clause was however inserted in the act, exempting Rom its operation the Peso of Parliament. By virtue of that exemption Homan Catholic Peers sat in Parliament till the 30.11 of Charles the Second. Ab.i.it that time cam: tie l'opiin plot, in which the Catholic PeMs seemed to be iniplietted. Units r tile relic which existed at she moment, Parliament took away the rigut of Peers to seats in that llo.tsc. Lord St. illord was tuond guilty 3111.1 cuntited, and here lie might observe, that the execution of that nobleman was some nom aft,: en:l.sl a legal raarder.—Sael: was the circumstance wi,ich drove the Catholics troll the privilege to which they were entitled by birth; but whether or not the ex:tu ition of tile Rdinan Catholic Ydriiament was necessary in the reign of Charles the Second, none could say it was neces sary now. Queen Eiizibetit had reposed confidence in Catholic. Peer; ; she wan satistled with their loyalty ; and the act passed in the huh year of her reign did nut extend to them. The experi ence of 100 years proved that confidence was well foundixt.— Tile noble Duke concluded by moving the second reading of the ill. Lord COLrIIESTER, rising to address the House in oppo- sition to the bill, assured their Lordships that lie sincerely wished to give all the rest unable and safe concessions to his Majesty's Boman Catholic subjects, but lie never could agree to give mein seats in both Houses of Parliament. Tho exclusion of Peers from Parliament was represented by the noble Duke to stand on nothing but prejudice; but it would not be milieu t to prove that toe txt.usion historically stood on the ground of wisdom and sound ;whey; and commenced with the acts of Queen Elizabeth. and the coii.oration and test acts proved how desirous time House of Commons wine to exclude Boman Catholics fawn their own members. Tile act of Chad,* IL. was sanctioned at the revolu tion by the Prance of Orange. and at the union with Scotland it was enacted that no representative Peers or Commoners should be others than Pro:este:us. That provision was annexed to the act of union. At the distance of three succeeding reigns, namely, in the 9th of Geo. 11. P.:filament confirmed the act of King 'Written', and could it be said the exclusion ss AA not justified by policy'. The noble Duke had contended there was no ground to continue the exclusion ; but his opinion was, that laws made upon general principles mast ever be retained as safeguards anti guardians against danger. The noble Duke proposed the repeal of these laws, and recommended the bill as use of the best steps. The noble Baron said, lie wished to give the Catholics fair emancipation iu all the rights enjoyed b) his Majesty's subjects, with the exceptioa of those restrictions, which the constitution had imposed for its own safety. He was rejoiced when he saw Roman Catholics assisting at the co.o nation.—They were properly admitted to the army, and nary. He saw nu objection to giving diem civil employment—to admit them to °dices connected with the revenue ; but the safeguards of the constitution could not be violated. The noble Lord stated the views of the Rffilltal Catholics with respect to faith, end, having dwelt on the danger which would arise from passing tlic hil,, moved, as an amendment, that it read a second time Cis day three mouths. Lord ERSKIN G supported the bill. Lord GREN VILLE, at considerable tenth, and in a speech of much force, supported the bill. Lord REDESDALE strongly opposed it, as inconsistent with the safety of the Protestant establishment. Lord HOLLAND gave his wartuest support to the bill, which he observed did not go so tar as he wished. /le trusted that be should live Mug enough to see their Lordships go much further thau this Bill went. 'their Lordships rhea/ divided,—For the second reading— Content', SO- Proxies 10-90. Non Contents, 97—Proxies, SO-132. Majority agaivat the Bill, 12. Adjourned at one u'cloek. HOUSE OF COMMONS. MONDAY, :v 17. Mr. DAVENPORT presented petitions from Macclesfield and Cottgleton against the Warehousing Bill. Sir R. SHAW presented a petition from the Chantb.r of Commerce. Dohlin, against the proposed duties on Rock Salt. Sir W. CU LUIS presented a petition front the Watch Finish• era of London, spina the Warehouseing Bill. Sir W. LEMON presented a petition from Pilchard Curers of Cornwall, praying t'or the repeal of the Salt Tax. The Bakers' Regulation Bill was recommitted. Report brought up, and ordered to be read a third time on Thursday. The report of the Weights and Meaurea Bill was ordered to be presented on Wednzsday. SALT TAX.—A petition was presented from the Fish Curers of Boston, Lincolnshire. Mr. CURW EN said, it was very important that the parties should ►now what they were to expect ; that something decitivo on the subject of the Salt Tax should he made known. The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER said, he hoped to bring forward the Resolutions at au early time. Ile named two years for the continuation of existing duties, because he thought it would have been a period satisfactory to terminate the duties ; but be should not now press the Resolution for continuing the Finn Curiu Regulations for two years. Gen. GASCOYNE observed, that these discussions and con versations were most injuri as and unpleasant ; it would be better that the Chancellor of the Exchequer should at once intro duce his Bill for the repeal of the tax ; the country would then ►now what was intended. . . Mr. BIRCH enquired whether the manufactories using salt were to be esentpted The CH ANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER replied, as it we, understood, that the eseuiptions were to be wade of course. _ _ . Mr. BRIGHT said, that he trusted the Chancellor of the Exchequer intended to remodel the excise laws, particularly on this sulijeet. They were most oppressive. as the report of 11 4 18 proved. If any portion of the tax were retained, it could only be for the sake of patronage ; but he trusted that in this instance, the independent portions of the House would defeat the Chan cellor of the Exchequer.—(Hear.)—Petition ordered to be printed. Mr. (Secretary) PEEL, presented a report from the c .m -snake appointed to enquire into the state of the pollee of the Inetropolia. Ordered to be printed. Mr. LITTLETON presented a petition from workmen in the factories at Dudley, complaining that sever.l of their masters paid them in provisions instead of money, whereby they sun'. taineJ serious losses. Mr.LITTLEEON presented a petition from silk manuftc Suers of Letts Against the WArehousing Bill. STATL or IRELAND.—Mr. V. FITZGERALD wished to kn 1w w hat furthrr aurasures of relief for Ireland were contem pt :trd by the Government? It was a moment of suliering, and it was important that there should be the amplest information ; it was most desirable that it should b. known how the money advanced for public works was to Le appropriated. Mr. GOULBURN replied, that with respect to the money al ready ad.:lnert] for the public works, the Lord Lieutenant had appointed a committee to institute inquiry into the state of the severe; districts. They immediate!, made the requisite com eawaittations. It would also be recollected, that he had intro• THE NATIONAL RubicT -- dared a Bill fur the better anployment of the poor in I reload, under which the appli:mtion of money for the puldio works might be promoted. lie had learned that in comiequence reral of the works had been forwarded. There was undoubt edly great iliatiew4 in Ireland. but it wan li oiled to particular eo iaties. The anniatAnce already voted certainly would not be stiiiktieut ; mid it would be his duty at no cl,itent day. maim to Apply to Podia:tier t. Mr. J. Sall ti a rid what had been tte e the Coveres tit's assistance hitherto he knew out; but of this he true state that enuogh had by no means been done. According to accounts from Clara, &o. re •vie. d this clay, and at the latter end of last week, the distress and earring were rapidly increasing. Hundreds or thousands in those counties were without the mewls of existence; and they were literally starving ; and if the Government intended to do any thing more, he trusted that it would lie done speedily. The Gavernmet had not dune enough; and he felt assured that that Government was oat worth a farthing that could not keep the people from starving. (Hear.) Sir J. NEWPORT dwelt on the extant of the distress, and expressed the fear that it would not soon terminate—it would not conclude with thia or the next year :he feared that it would extend to future generations. The Goverment must adopt ex ensive means to employ the population of Ireland, otherwise little ;good would be dune. Mr. ( Secretary) Pe:EL said, that the Government of Ireland was hourly occupied is ascertaining what relief CORM be af forded ; but the Government here had much difficulty to con• tend with, as there was danger of allUCliag the industry of the people, be gratuitous assiatauoe. He aailed, however, that 60001. had been this day forwarded to Limerick, to he employed by the local authorities in the promotiun of public works. Ha then deprecated discussion on this peculiar subject. it could not do good if the present limit were exceeded. BENEFIT SOCIETIES.—Mr. 110111101-SE, in presenting a petition, said that the Stamp Duties Bill proposed to expose henelit societies to stamp duties, front which hitherto they bad been exempted. Surely such could not be the intention of Go• vernmen4 If it succeeded it would tend to diminish those fun& that were set apart fur charitable purposes. The Bill was to be committed this evening, and ha hoped that toe minis ters would then adopt the mewls to remove the I roper anxieties of varions benefit societies. The hill proposed to shard relief and enact explanations and emendations, and yet it imposed new ditties. It merited the attention of the House. Read and ordered to be printed. Several petitions front luvernees, Kingliorn, &c. against thet Scotch Burghs' Accounts Rill, were presented. Mr. ABERCROMBIE wished the Lord Advocate to post pone that Bill for the present. The LORD ADVOCATE said, he should bring it forward this et ening. The noble Lord near the lion. member (Lord A. Hamill.%) ) had repeatedly desired the Bill to be brought on : lie was therefore surprised at thin application. Petition+ read and ordered to he printed. The LORI) ADVOCATE moved, that the Scotch Burghs' Accounts Bill lie re-commi.ted. Lord A. HAMILTON said it would be betterto postpone the bill altogether. It was impossible to believe that the hi I would produce any relief; the reports showed this Let. The bill had no remedial qualities about it. Mier some further observation, the /louse went into a com mittee all the bill. In the committee several verbal amend ments were moved, which were eventually agreed to. Several other clauses were then agreed to. The House re sumed, and the report was ordered to ha considered on a future day. Adjourned. TELSDAY, !CST. 111. There being only thirty seven meinorrs present at four o'clock Only being required) the speaker tke:ated .he House to stand adjourned till to-inorrov. WEDNESDAY. JUNE 19. A petition was presented trout St. Mary, Dublin, complain ing oldie assessed taxes. Sir It. SIIAW moved for returns of t'•e assessed taxes, Ire land fur the last seven years, excepting the hearth and window duties.—Ordet ed. Mr. BYNG presented two petitions against the Highgate Chapel Bill. Mr. Alderman WOOD presented a petition from Homey and Finchley against the same bill. Mr. Alderman WOOD presented a petition from Mr. John Knight, confined in Lancaster jail, complainmg of severe treat ment, dampness, &c. His offence was that of attending a •• peaceable" reform meeting. Mr. B. WILBRAHAM observed, that the only meeting which was nt.t pealeable was the on. for %%Mel; this person was convicted; the parties had attended armed with pikes. Mt. Alderman WOOD said, thet be sae!, fact as it might, it was no rtaNol , for treeing the prisoner with cruelty. Ilehester jail wan proof in support of sueb opinion. Petition ordered to be print. d. Mr. COURTEN AY' moved for leave to bring in a bill to ex tend the punishment of hard labour to certain eases that were not now exposed to such ponialnuent ; lie meant certain aggra vated unsilemeanore. Mr. M. A. TAYLOR. said, he trusted " political" offences were not to be included in the Lill, Mr. COE RTENAY said, the offences would be specified.-- Motion agreed to. Dr. LUSHINGTON moved for a new writ for CamelTord in the room of Lord Yarmouth, now Marquis of Hertford,— Ordered. Mr. COCRTENAY moved for an aceount of droits of Ad miralty greeted for the benefit of Cl:flital :%rnerican Ordered. COT STY COI' RT. —Mr. LENNART) presented a petition front .1,000 persons in Middlesex, complaiiiiug of their county clerk, of taking extraordinary fees. Mr. COL RTENAY condemned the petition, as resulting ftom malice. If they were to blame, the Judges of the Court of King's Bench could be applied to ; and if it were established the clerk world be discliaraed. The petitioners ought not to come to that blouse, till they could show that applications to the Court of King's Ben .11 had been Matte in vain. He mewed, as an amendment, that the petition he rejected Dr. LUSHINGTON expressed his astonishment that such an amendment should have been moved. The interests of the petitioners might be small, but to them they were important. It ought to be considered by the Howe. , at all events, the re ceipt of the petition ought not to be ehie, fed to. Mr, li. SIMS ER thought there was eo ground for the im putation of the petition : he should therefore support the amend ment. Mr. G. BENNET spoke in favonr of the petition, and said that in q uiry ought to be instituted. As to the complaiion, etlotts had already bet• t made to get a ceinteittee; the appli cation for one bad been negatived. With respect to the appli cation to the Court of King's Bend,. he s :Ailed it not a feather. --There were 18,000 cases in one y ear, at the rate of Iro per day, and the complaiut of irregular fees ought. to he the bores th.ated. Tbe mover of the rejection on the !trident occasion he considered oft the • Legishttorial Atictroey . or the court. JPIIW - 1955 The ATTORNEY OENER Idid that the case bad ahead! ...... bcea int estioted by the court ; but if it were tim•Fht bat jus tice bad not been dune, will. had om .if the .04 I petitioner+ applied to the Court of Kiug•s tench ! Was it to be supposed that the court would out have atimigisterod jastice Mr. HUME was surprised that Lis peittion should be oh. jetted to. Tite gentlemen opposite were the worst friends of the gentleinai referred to iu the petition ; that gentleman ought to be an%iou, fur inquiry, since there was such serious cot.. pleiut. Bet in what situativu was the court placed by this re fusal or ingeiry ? waa to be thou6lit oi the euu.plaiut if it would nut hear inquiry Mr. C. W. WYNN supported the rejection of the petition. The law painted out the :vial:nary mode of obtaining justice in this case if there were ground of complaint. N by, therefore. receive this petition. Mr.110111101:SE said, during eis experience in that !loose, there bad been two or three petitions rejected that ought to have been received, in his opinion; but lie bad never witnessed so extraordinary a proposition us that to reject this petition.— To adopt a CUIIIIIIOII meek of speech, this seemed very like oarrying the joke too tar. --(Hear, bear ! petitioners complained of the constitution of the court. They said that it was au abuse that could be corrected only by an alteratioa its the law ; why then was their petition to be rejected Could i 6,000 casill go to the Court of King's Bench ! Instead of sup porting this cause, this opposition was only calculated to briug the Court and its &livers into suspicion and disrepute. Colonel WOOD supported the anteaultuent tor the rejection of the petition. Mr. M. A. TAYLOR said, he thought they could not reject I this petition with safey, and advantage to their own characters. —(llea*, hear! )—Ste not like to see the constant practice there was to resist all in•iniry w lien the courts were complained of. The langua,;e of the petitiou was respectful. Why, then. reject 1 It was said, when such complaints were made—Oh. take care of the in.iges ! He would say—let them mike care of their own characters, and let that House receive the Ma* plaints of petitioners when they Were properly urged. Mr. W. till ITII supported the petition. Mr. CL:li \V EN knew Mr. Heath, and for tbat gentlentado sake he intreated that opposition might he withdrawn. Mr. t!Lit.:RTEN said, if the subject were to be instantly and immediately investigated, he would withdraw his amend • meld. _ _ . . . . Mr. LENNARD observed, that it would be imposing a great dillieulty on him to require him to pledge himself to institute inquiry this session. so far advanced as it was. Mr. CREEVEY said that the complaint was, that there was not justice duly administered. Apply to the Judges on such a matter, not they would say, like men of sense, go to Parlia ment. The ministers saw what a nonsensical oppositino this was ; it was evident that they had been saying as touch fur the last half hour ; but the two meinbera (Mr. Wynn and Mr. Courtenay) were always in their places, to snatch petitions. and get them rejected if possible. They seemed to be anxious to establish the character of the 'reuse for " insanity"—for such opposition w is nothiug, lese---(hear and laughter.)—W'by was there all this fuss about officers of " a Twopenny-halfpenny Court r' Mr. F. ROBINSON said, as the petition complained of the constitution, and as the remedy was such as the Parliament only could remedy, he trusted oppositmo would be withdraw*. on the understanding that House should be iuquiry.—(Oheers from the opposition.) Mr. COURIENAY withdrew his oppostion....-(Hear.) The petition was then ordered to lie op the table, but lie motion for printing it was not pressed. LICENiI SG Systi;m..—Mr. JAMES presented a petition from a publican, named Priddel, at some parish in Somersetshire, oomplaining of the arbitrary conduct of two magistrates, who had deprived him of the licence of his house, which be bail kept for years. There had been no objection to him till the failure of the Bill of Pains and Penalties against the late Queen, which met with the approbation of the whole parish, with one solitary exception. On that oecusion there were rejoicings; and afterwards it was resolved to tale the pttniouer's lieenAt away, oe the pretext that no public-house was wanted there.-- Now there was no other pub'ic•houae within 10 miles. The whole parish were ready to support the represeutations of the petitioner, and to bear testimony to his good character and con duct. The hon. member said, the two magistrates were visite ing magistrates of Ilchester gaol. lie was nut surprised at what was now stated; but the case he thought was one of the bar est that had been mentioned. Mr. PEEL defended the magistrates, and said, that Priddell had been repeatedly warped to be careful, but is vain. As to the insinuation about political feeling, one of the niagist was adverse to the mode" of proscention against the Queen For three years Priddell had been warned, and nothing was done till complaints were preferred bi fore the petitioner. Mr. DICKENSON defended the conduct of the magistrates. Mr. C. BEN N El' said, what had fallen from the right hon. secretary was satisfactory. If the petitioner Lad offended, why net punish hint for the improprieties in tile house; tint might hate prevented the dreadrel alternative of destroying the for tunes of the petitioner. Mr. JAMES said, be had only slate 1 what was set forth in the petition. There had never been any disturbance im the house, ex, , ept once a year, when the clergyman, churchwar dens, Sc. had a dinner there.—( laugh.) Petitiuti ordered to be pointed. Several petitions on the subject of the leather tax. &c. from were them presented, and ordered to be printed. TCTIMS, IRCIAND.—Mr. DALY rose to bring forward his promieed motion on this subject, but Mr. Peel and Mr. Conlburn strongly solicited him to postpone it for the present.—Mr. Daly consented ; when Mr. HUME said, that as the motion bad been ebindoned by the hon. member, lie should bring it forward. It was the source of nmeli evil in Ireland, stud it would not hear delay. He had postponed it on various accounts ; but if it w. re longer postponed, the present sessions would pass away without the House and the country being made acquainted with the grievous state of the tythe system in Ireland. Mr. Hums then entei :it at great len ; ;Ili into a review of the present st,te of the church in Irelaail, and commented on the great ne eisimilation of pluralities in that country, by which the iwous• of some of the clergy bad become enortnone, whilst many of the poor clergy (, orates', were reduced to the low, st state of absolute want. He thought this one of the exis•iii; evils of Ireland. Ile would not meddle with vested rights. hut as the present ineumhenis, whether priests or hisuisps, died, he wort'..; have reform introduced. The Irish were lo.sk iag to Parliament to do soinethinA, and something they ought to do. even though it required that the hoese should retired its sittings a month beyond the period °official-toted. Thu lin^. member near hint r Mr. Daly ) had consente I to witLeltaw Lis mutioa, but he had felt Lims,lf called en, in the consvientio is discharge of his duty, to inure a resolute-it, that the boa•ia should Fledge inieii to go into m inewiry tarty io the *eat (For contiAmnien Ng pap tirS.) _ ~J