The British Press; or, Morning Literary Advertiser. — London, England, 1825-02-22 00:00:00

7------a-a that befere this hateful mellewlfeH Ulf ildlb 1 01 4 01111 4 lieiondbil act a e eothet 111mTeision had bees devised for extinguishing the last yam of liberty that gilt shed its dtekering light on the c at a o ),,., of Ireland, there was but little community of fecling b etwe en that body anti the Catholics of England—there was but lic"e of identity of condition between them; their com plaints :on nut in the same channel, nor bad their comman griever ens AS Yet excited a common sympathy ; bat no soon er was this attack contemphsed, than a simultaneous union was effered between them, all were touted to a sense of their com mon danger. sad only one feeling pervaded the whole class of Engltdi Catholics, front the Lord High Marshal to the lowest wa t ds—from the illustrious names of Howard, Talbot, and Arun. Jell, down to the meanest peasant who held to the same faith. It had linked them in one unbroken bond of union. and had effectu ally pledged them all to promote the best interests of the Catholic cause. (1, notwithstanding this, the present measure should be perseveral in—if the right of free discussion were to be taken from them, tl..at last plank of the shattered bark in which the dearest interests of the Catholics were 'winched—his Majesty's Ministers might be assured , that the whole of the crew would cling to it to their eletring gasp. (Hear, hear.) Sir li. KNATCH BULL said, he did not intend to occupy the attention of the House at any length, as he was well aware lie Scald not urge any argument that had not already been much better put. Indeed, be felt he ought to spologite (hear, hear) for steins st all, but that apology ha was sure would be very readily limited when the important question on which he was 'called upon vote was considered. The Noble Lord who had just addressed House had asked, what were the reasons for passing this Bill ? (dir E. Knatchbull) thought that very cogent reasons had not say been afforded by his 3lajeaty's Ministers, but also by those .ntereen who lied the most strenuously opposed the Bill. The statements made by several Hon. Members for Ireland were io direct evidence of .he change which had taken place in that country since the formation of the Association, and that change from a state of peace to a state of discord. Ile begged to remind the Hon. dlsather for Lourth (Mr. I. Foster) of the statement which he made em a (ostler evening. That Hots. alember haul Aid, that, in the part of the country to which he belonged, petvitus to the exertions of the Catholic body, every thing was peace. Bat since Melte:- ma:ion ot that body, what had happened? Why, the Catholic Rent was introduced, and from that instant the peaceable state of which the Hon. Member had spoken immediately ceased, dissatisfaction appeared. and discord followed in its train. Now be (Sir E. knatehbull) would beg to ask, whether that was not a sufficient ground upon which to form his judgment, and give his vote? But there was another ground which hail been afforded him by an lion. Member, who was opposed to this measure. That Hon. flembee Tad said, that during the disturbances in Upper and Lower Or. mond, among the Riblionmen, 3I r. O'Connell went into that part of the country, and by his own influence alone-had entirely quelled those disturbances.' Here then age a proof that this Mei:cues ex. erred was ell powerful over a large body of men. Now he (Sir E. Knatchbull) dW. not mean to say that the exertions of Mr. O'Con nell were not used on that occasion fur the public benefit, but he would ask, was it not most dangerous that such a power should be possessed by any individual? (Hear, hear.) %Cos it not most perilous that any subject, be he ever so pure is principle, should be Ole to wield smelt an influence over the minds and feelings of so large a body of men ? For although the power thus possessed had been to this instance exerted For good, yet who could be so bold as to say that it might not at a future time be equally exerted for bad ? (Hear, hear, hear.) These then were the grounds of his vote in support of the present Bill. If he should be told that he was inmisietent in giving this vote, he would say that all he had hitherto done was front the confidence that the Protestants of Ire land had nu reason of alarm ; tut he confessed that these state ments had altered his opinion. ‘Vhen be presented a petition a few years ago in favour of the Catholics, the Right Mort Secretary of State, who, he believed, was not then in °face, had de:lared is most unequivocal terms, that as a friend to the Pro t:anent ascendancy, he would never hare advocated the Catholic cause if be had not felt it to be perfectly consistent with the in terest and safety of the Protestant Established Church in Ireland. He (S:r E. Koatebbull) had not intended to base detained the }louse so long, but since almost every Member had expressed his sentiotents on the very important question now before the House, he meld not, in the honest discharge of his duty to his constituents, gives silent vote. if., M. FITZGERALD said, that not having taken any part in the present discussion, he trusted he might be allowed to offer a few words to the House upon so important a subject. It was not hisinteation, nor could he think of abusing the patience of the House by going over the same ground which hail been already so ably trodden, nor attempt to repeat the same line of argument which had been so powerfully and eloquently enforced. He should endeavour to avoid touching any of those topics, because he should feel it would not only be trespassing upon the time of the House, but it would be weakening the effects which the previous speakers fed produced. All, (het:time, which he shook, do would be, to endeavour to suggest some practical modethat might be applied to tha great question, which he (31r. M. Fitzgerald) thought would be worthy of the serious notice of his Majesty's Ministers. The revel ground o 1 the present measure wast e extensive danger which was involved from such at Association existing in the coun try, possessing so great a power in the management of any large body of persons whatever. This induence in the direction of the feelings and opinions of such a body was the groundwork of the pretest proceeding. He admitted that there way a danger to be apprehended from sueh a cause ; he had fairly and freely acknowledged it; it was a very dangerous risk to which the peace of society was exposed. He lamented it ; indeed it would be an abuse of words if he were to contradict it. It was on that ground that the present measure was proposed ; and it was an t h a t ground that he also felt some measure to be necessary. lie would say then, was there not another method by which ail the good sought after by this Bill might be effected, without any of those ill consequences resulting from it, which would almost in evitably ensue by the Bill passing into a law ? The truth was, it appeared to hint that, from the very outset, his Majesty's Ministers had wholly misunderstood the evil to which they were so desirous to apply a remedy,—they had mistaken the effects for the cause --they had forgotten the history of past years, and had contem plated things only as they presented themselves now, without in quiring whence they originated. The present awful state of Ire land, which .made the weak tremble, and almost dismayed the strong—thich revealed a latent power, of which the very Catholics then:rives were till now unconscious—this state was not a cause, it was the effect; and the effect of what ?—why the postponement of that act of common justice which this country owed them ; the de lay of awarding them that right to which they had an undeniable claim, and which had been moat unwisely, and by a most perverted policy, withheld from them. Did Honourable 31embers suppose that the Homan Catholics of Ireland loved, or were wedded to die. order ? Did they believe that that body of men voluntarily sought to continue in that unhappy state ? If not, then to whom were we to attribute it? With whom did it on and by whom kept on? Ile ever had, and ever should, trace it to the administration of Mr. Pitt. That Minister, five and twenty rears ago, told the Catholics of Ireland—" If you will admit a union to be effected between the two countries, then we via admit your claims." lie represented to them, that those claims could not be listened to, so long as they maintained a separate government; no concession could be granted while they possessed all the characterialics of a separate people. " Consent to the Union," said that 31itiater, unite your Legislature with ours, and then all bar to a full, tree, and fair discussion of your claims will be removed." This was sufficient ; their confidence was placed in the word of the Minister, and the union was efFected. Bat their claims were immediately neglected ; from time to time had the Catholics of Ireland appealed, but they had not had this promise performed to them. Their appeal was now becoming irresistible; but it was 3fr. Pitt who suggested it, and it was to him to traced all the ills and all the misery that now reigned throughout that country, and which at length had produced this formidable oadensation of power in the Catholic Association. It was to that Minister's harsh measures that the Catholics owed all their troubles. Nor were these conseqoences unforeaeen. Had not the Opposition in that House all along predicted this state of things? Did they not affirm that the Catholic affairs would arrive to that condition in which they now were? But venous as that condition was, end !nest threatening to the repose of the country, who would say that it would stop here ? Who would say that the ill-consequences of that breach of faith at the Union would merely attain to an Asso ciation like the one now to be suppressed, and " there an end" ? Ile Cdr. M. Fitzgerald) could see nothing in the measure now beret.: the House, that would allay the discontent, or satisfy the minds of the Catholics ; nay, he rather judged it calculated to aggravate their feelings, and provoke worse ills than those now existing. The great danger was, that tile Catholics of Ireland were at last firmly united in the demand of their just claims. (Hear, hear.) A feeling of sympathy had been excited among every class of that body, and a sense of their wrongs had made them alive to their own power. Now, the measure before the House did not in any degree touch this union, or apply itself to this danger. It might, indeed, dissolve the Association, but it could not up root the feelings out of which that Association was formed, atd by which it was supported, although it might drive them to other means less equivocal in their nature (hear, hear,) and which they now might never have dreamed of. (Hear, hear.) Good God ! Was this, then, the wise measure devised by his Ma jesty's Ministers during the recess, and to be brought down by them at the beginning of the Session to assuage the ills of Ireland, and restore peace to that unhappy country? This House had been told that Ireland was increasing in prosperity, that her trade was extending itself, her manufactures reviving, and that Peace and plenty were returning to her shores. All this might he true ; but we could not believe, that while her people were en during such Injustice from our hatids, this flourishing state of things was either fur the benefit of Ireland herself or for this country. We could not be so blind as not to perceive that all this, instead of being a blessing, might become a Curse (hear), instead of giving ir.creased riches to ourselves, might become the very storehouse of the enemy. His Majesty's Ministers had exulted at this un usua l state a Ireland, and some Honourable Members had also responded the same exultation ; but did they not see that possibly there might be much latent danger beneath this supposed security ut theirs ? His Majesty's Ministers had, by their constant opposition to the moderate and just demands of tie Catholics, taught them to unite, and, by uniting, had taught them to know and estimate their own strength ; they had driven them most unwillingly to cherish a hope--deriving itself from very despair. He (Mr. M. Fitzgerald) feeling that never in the whole annals of Parliaroentary debate was &subject so important to the re pose of this country before discussed in so patient, so able, and so inumphart a manner, yet he must still acquit his mind by disclos ing the full extent of what he felt on this question. With respect to the present state of the Catholic mind, in order to judge properly of it. we must first, for a taw momenta, consider what was the state of the Catholic mind at the time of the Union. The Catholics, at that time, were all looking with confidence to England, fur a full i recognition of their rights; every portion of the 'people ova. panantly and most confidingly awaiting that act of justice to be does them. which h a d t h en so l ately been prretesed : that most re ap7ctable Cethetie Hierarchy was strongly and finely attached to the Government ; the population was governed peaceably, nithriut any coercive measure being resorted to; in abort, every • eeling of hope and good tell had bean called forth in the minds of the ee -1 chalice of 'missed towershe this country. That, then, was a period, when his 3laieety's Ministers might have granted all that was de manded. without the least appiehensinti of danger to the State. Such was the frail:cot' mind then extsting, that every concession might have been made, every boon given, without disturbance, even without one extraordinary movement, save that of pleasure on the part of the Catholics; every thing might then have been done to have healed the wounds that had been inflicted, and satisfied the claims that were made. If, instead of such now being the keenness oe that nation—if, inst ea d o f confidence and patience having marke d their cenduct—if, instead of quiet and good order having dis tinguished their demeanour, they had been thrown into a state of thane, their feelings estranged, and their patience exhausted—if the affairs of the Catholic Body were now fallen into the hands of persons who would otherwise not have ha 1 to do with them, to what were we to attribute it? Whet wee the real cause of ail this ? It was that they had been racist wofully deceived; it was that the Catholic mind had been disappointed, and their hopes banished. When the Catholics became most earnest in their appeal to this country, what was the consequence? Why, domes lowa were enacted, ami new penalties impose!. Therefore the Catholic body was now placed under the direction of those men who felt but one sentiment in common with them, and exerted over them that legitimate power which consisted only in dominion of knowledge, dominion of talent, and dominion of patriotism; and who would ultimately lead them in that direction to which talent and patriotism invartaely tend. Such was his (3lr. M. Fitzgerald's) firm opinion, unless this couse try, by a wise and salutary policy, prevented them. But was the Bill now before the house likely to effect that? It seemed that this measure went upon a calculation of the forbearance of the Catholics. It appeared to have all its efficacy rested upon the glod sense, love of country, and natural ties of kindred of the Roman Catholic people. It appealed to their entearance, and their loyal silleeiesion to tie laws, end to flee law also as (soon es passed. Now if this were ground upon which the Ministers legislated, Gond God! would it noe be better •for then to avail themselves of that moderation for which they felt disposed to give the Catholics credit, by tryine-whether any mode of concilite tine could not be effected with such men? (Hear, hear, here.) Did the Minisem doubt that such a course would now' lucre the desired result? Did they apprehend that it would fail of destroying the Catholic Association ? He (tie. Maurice Fitzgerald) would say, that that alone would dissolve it. Grant them their demands, and they could not afterwards be coin bincd ; he would say, :Feat by such a co iciliatoot measure being adopted, the materials of the Association won't(' be dispersed an away ; nay, it cottI•1 never again be rept-Allred ; for the essence of it would have been destroyed. Why, the Catholics had a deep in terest in the prosperity and quiet of the country; they had a great stake in it; they, like ourselves, were filling all ranks in so ciety, following as various purseits, and would, therefor:, be as anxious to preserve peace and good trader As the Protestants themselves. But there impeded to be an opinion entertained by some, that the Catholics had a secret design. Some Gentlemen seemed to let it out now and then, that their ap prehensions recce from thee suspicion; they imputed an ulterior object to the Catholics- But could any thing be more erroneous than the introduction of such an opinion in the discussion of the Catholic Qiestion ? Their claims were open and avowed; th'ey were defied and well understood, and yet Gentlemen resorted to imputing motives which were all disclaimed, in order to support their opposition to the Catholics. They apprehended the ascend ancy of the Church of Rome, and the sunjogation of the Pro testants. But what had been the doctrine of the Irish Attorney. General upon that 'abject ? Why, that Pro•eaant Asendancy could not he secured without concession. Bat he (Mr. 31. Fitz gerald) would gay, that the Catholic Bady had always avoided the question Having admitted to its fullest extent the danger in which Ireland was, he was inclined to look abroad fur a source of aegravation of that danger. Perhaps Gen•lemen would be dia. posed to think that he made some concession when he seise that he locked with a considerable degree of alarm at the spirit of Catholic proselytism that prevailed in Europe. (Hear, hear.) He declared that he believed such a spirit did exist to a great extent on the Continent, and he had no doubt that many persons enter ' tained most despotic ()ejects in the furtherance of that spirit, and would rejoice to see all the ancient power of the Pope restored, and would gladly revive the Catholic usurpation in its most hideous form. lie believed that no disposition to promote these ends ope rated more strongly on any part of the Continent than in France. If so, were we not right to suppose that all this had a most per. nicious effect on Ireland ? Would not such a disposition. known to exist in France. tend ultimately to direct die thoughts of the It iah to that country? An lion. Member who bad spoken on this question had alluded to the time when the Catholics of Ireland should all be made proselytes to the Established Religion, at which period that Honourable Member would grant them their right's. If we were to await the arrival of that period, then the Catholics might consider themselves as for ever excluded. Ifauch be the feeling to be observed towards them, then he was no: surprised at the continental papers setting up England as a mo. del of intulesance ; and whenever we spoke to them in the cause of freedom, pointing to Ireland, and telling us to look at home—to look at Ireland. Now, did Gentlemen suppose that these things did not reach Ireland—that the people of Ireland did nor read the French papers, and have the influence of thin kind of language act upon them ? Unquestionably such was the case. He did not know hat the Bourbon of France, note ithetanding all that this coun i try had done for them, would not, out of very gratitude, feel more disposed to lead an army of Catholics to overthrow the power of England, than the late possessor of their throne. He did believe that Napoleon would never have waged a re ligious war ; but he did not entertain the same opinion of the present papa) power. He saw it already announced in their various newspapers. They have said to us, • You are inca pable of going to war, becanse you have a magazine of dan ger within yourself, that would paralyze all your exertion's." But he would not stop at their papers ; he would go still further, and say that he had ao doubt the present King of France would soon form an Irish brigade. A late Monarch of that country had one, and that brigade served him to the last. They were among his very best and staunchest supporters. At that time there was no strong feeling upon religious matters prevailing in Ireland; now that feeling raged at its very height. And yet amidst all this they looked to us, they sought to be of us. (Hear, hear.) They were saying now to us,—" We value your Constitution beyond any thing we know, we ask to be incorporated with you, to participate of those institutions which we admire and prefer to all others." Ile (Mr. M. Fitz geral(l) believed them, fur he believed if they felt otherwise, the leaders of the Association would have checked those opinions which have thus been so loudly and honestly expressed. It was from their being thus incorporated with us--it was from concession alone that we could hope to advance the prosperity of Ireland, or secure the aflectioes of her people. But if this measure should pass, the next question was whether it be practical. No doubt lawyers might devise a means which would dissolve the present Asso ciation ; but did they think they would avail much by doing NO ? In opposing this Bill be did not mean to justify every phrase or expression that might have been uttered by the persona against whom it was to operate. In speaking of phrases, he wished to make a correction of a statement by a Noble Lord, in having attri buted to him (Mr. M. Fitzgerald) an explanation of the meaning of a word which had often been mentioned in that House during the present debate, by stating that it was necessary a person should know the Irish language, in order to understand that word. Now it so happened that he knew no more of the Irish language than the Noble Ertel himself probably did. What he f Mr. fit F.) meant was this, that it required a person to be an Irishman to up-. derstand the phrase—" By the hate you bear to Orangemen we entreat you to be peaceable." That was, it required a person to knew the dreadful enmity which mutually prevailed between a Cacho! it and an Orangeman to know the real import of the word "hate." It simply meant this—" not by the hate you should bear, but by the hate that you do bear, and have borne, to an Orangeman. we exhort you who peaceable." The word was not to excite hatred,tor that unfortunately existed already, but it was by that very hate that they were alij to be peaceable. But in reference to the Bill now before the House, he would again say, the Ministers might put down this public As. socistion of the Catholics, but (lid Gentlemen believe that the present measure would provide fur all other cases ? (Hear, hear. bid they think that the influence of the Association throughout the parishes of Ireland, would be done away by the operation el this Bill? The Bill might, indeed, check the language which had been so much complained of, but it could not destroy the moral influence this Association had effected upon the mind. The expressions of individuals he would cot undertake to defend ; neither wax it necessary. Who, he would be glad to know, would undertake the defence of every expression uttered in that House, which was frequently stronger than any ever attributed to the mem. bars of the Catholic Association? (Hear.) Lord Castlereagh had said, that he would rather see "good Catholics in that House than bad Protestants." In this opinion every reasonable person must concur. But his principal objection to this Bill was, that it would be ineffectual even for the professed purposes of the pro- moters of it. How could the discussion of Catholics be prevented unless it were intended to introduce. which he presumed it was not, a clause to prevent the members of this Association from dining together ? If such a clause was not made part of the Bill, how could it be expected that they would not thus endeavour to evade the Bill ?—and did they, who dreaded violent language, suppose that the language of Irish Gentletnen 'meld be less violent after dinner than before? (Hear, and a laugh.) Whether this Bill passed into a law or not,—or whether the discussions of the Ass°. elation were reported or not, the danger, as it was by some consi dered, would still be diffused through the country, and the more extensively diffused by reason of the inflamed state of mind which the disappointment consequent on the passing of this Bill would create. Whilst the grievance continued, there should always be some channel to express and convey. If the Association were put down, the organs of expressing the grievance might assume a new shape, but it would still exist— non deficit alter. As to the resistance of the measure, from that he entertained no serious apprehension, but very serious alarm was to be entertained from the needles and vexatious prolongation of the causes of dis content in Ireland. (Hear, hear.) Colonel TRENCH rose amid cries of " Question." He was for several minutes inaudible an the gallery ; we understated him to say, that the Catholic Association had exercised a most lm lroper influence over the peasantry, by exciting them against their andlords, who did not approve of the proceedings of Catholic Association, or who manifested an indisposttino towards the mess sores of the Catholic Rent. As the Right Hun. Gentlerusa who had just sat down .ad adverted to the late that bad teen done THE BRITISH P ESS. for Ireland since the Grim, now be would calf the attention of the, House to what had been done for that country. since the Legisla tivemeasure of the Union lied osesed. nod, a great improvement had been effected in the leers of that country, sad in the mode of their adinirristration. Secondly. the Custems and Eloise in Ire land hail been assimilated to. and placed ttputa, the acme footing as similar depertments in :his country. (Neer. hen:.) Tbirdly,the aweseed taxes were altogether repealed. This last measure of re. 'lief he believed was ins-vied to principally as an inducement -to annoy gth:lenien to return home, who, from debt and other see:- dental circumstences, were banished from their native home; and it was calculated that this measure woulS chable them to return, and to extend to the neighbourhood in which they lived, the ad vantages of their present e aid their influerce. The next point of improvement to which he would refer was the distillery laws, which had in a great measure been remodelled; to these ehouli be added the irtroducdon and increase of manufactures, The Tithe Bill. which hod been lately adopted, was a nieesuie of great service to the country it hlld been accompanied with this useful measure, that it ensured the residence of all the clergy in their respective parishes. In the Magisterial department of the administration of justice, considerable improvement had been effected also; but some abases remained, which 'Meth fairly be expected to be soon recti fied. As to the Catholic Clergy, he would he glad to see them paid by the Government, as that would tend to diminish an in fluence which was unduly exercised over the minds of an ignorant population. Hitherto he had spoken of what Government bad done. There were measures, however, on which it was not within the province of Government to legislate,—and without which Ire land could not be really and substantially served—he adverted to the cultivation of decent habits among the peasantry, and of pro viding them with decent habitetior.s. This was a ditty which de volved on the landlords, and with which Parliament had nothing to do. Those persona who opposed the Association were held up to execration by that body—they were supported by a public opi nio3—k law stronger in the observance of mankind than either the law of God or man- He wculd beg to call the attention of the House to some expressions which escaped the grist leader of that Assoc:eths (31r. O'Connell). The House mull judge of the tendency of such observations nn the minds of an casily-cseits(i people. (The Hon. Member here read a paean. from an address of 31r. O'Connell, in which he supposed Scotland to be examined as a wituces in the case of Ireland, and in which lie drew a parison between the situation of the people of Scotland and the people of Ireland; lie adverted to the English Government having established the Presbyterian re.igino there, anti of the rigOt which the Irish people had to enjoy their religion with equal fresolom.l There were other inflammatory expressions in the address, which evinced lees a disposition to supplicate the House respectfully, as they professed to do, than to demand from thou what they asked fiercely and haug)itile. Another eloquent leader of th.it body (as believe Mr. Shed) had described the French Revolution...." a. a dangerous operation—sanguinary, but not unavailing." This was no indistinct hint; the conclusion to be drawn from such ex h mations as these was easy and obvious. (Cries of " question, question.") He regretted the Association h a d rot been min. guished in its infancy, in order that this body might net be pee. mitted to exercise the influence which it was known to do over the minds of an ignorant people—that that influence might be checked before it reached its pre s ent fo rm id a bl e height. [The noise and murmurs here because so loud that we could indistinctly hear the latter part of the Hon. Member's addresel We understood him to refer to a cast in which a man who was taken up for an attempt to aseassinae, confessed that he was instigated to the act by his at tachinert to the cause of the religion of his country. He feared ther were many in Ireland who entortained a devotion which would sustain them even to martyrdom, in support Ida cause to which, tiom or, exercise of an undue influence, they became thus vehe mently setiched. Mr. SYKES was somewhat surprised at the difference of opi nion that scented to prevail amongst Miiiisters ii their legislation for Ireland. Two years ago they recommended acts of severity, because the people were in a state of disturbance; and now, when they were known to be quiet, they came forward with the recoil]. mendation of a penal law. An individual case lied been stated to the Hour, but that (lid not constitute a ground or excuse for the present Bill. As to the two cases ii which the Association had been accused of intedering with the administration of justice, lie thought that, from the circumstances of those cases as they had been stated to the !louse, the interference was proper and reasonable. The impression on his mind was, that men might differ in opinion on religious points, and yet all might be good subjects; and there fore he thought that religious rights ought to be extended. Ile was convinced also, that the feeling of the country was materially changed upon the question with regard to the Catholics, although he had avowed his opinions openly on that qoestion. Although he had declared his wishes on the subject, still he thought, at his next election, he should not in consequence have one opponent. His sincere belief was, that the Bill must do harm, but could not do good, and it must be a great inconvenience to a number of so cieties. It might have the effect of putting down the Association, but it would not put down the spirit that is opposed to it, and aroused in favour of the Association. fie entreated the Govern ment to pause before they proceeded with the measure; he was confident that it was not required by the conduct of the Catholics. If the Right Hon. Gentlemen opposite would " Be to their virtues very kind, Aral to their faults a little blind," they would find that the Irish required no such coercion as the pre. sent measure. Mr. P. G R E NFE LL observed, that his Hon. Friend (Col. Trench) opposite, had said, that he lied declared that the Catholic Association was a bullying Association ; now he begged to state, that he had made use of no such expression. He had thought that this assembly had interfered with the administration a the connery, and that be should therefore vote for the introduction of the Bill; that he might see the nature of it; but he at the same time declared that he did not pledge himself to support the other stages of the Rill; and he was now prepared to inform the House that he should vote against the second reading. (Hear.) He thought it was monstrous for silt millions of men to be coerced by one million ; and his dying prayer would be, that if the Catholics resisted they should be sue.. cessfuL (Hear, hear, hear.) Colonel TRENCH, in explanation, said, that he certainly had understood his Hon. Friend to make use of the expression that he now found he had not done. Mr. G. PHILLIPS observed, that the Right Honourable Gen tleman opposite had declared that the Catholic Association had prevented capital from being sent to Ireland. But, so far from it, the fact was, capital was flowing into Ireland. The people of Lan cashire had been sending cotton twist to a large amount; anti so long as prosperity was produced in Ireland, whether by the Go veroment or by the Catholic Association, the people of Lancashire would be ready to sand their capital to Ireland. Although he had not before opened his lips on the subject, lie had thought upon it anxiously, and he was confident shame would attach to Englishmen for their conduct towards Ireland, even in the eyes of the holy Alliance. The cry of " question, question," became general, and the House divided, when there appeared— For the second reading of the BilL - 233 Agairgt it • 107 Majority in favour of th e Bill . 136 The other orders of the day were then disposed of, and the Howie adjourned at a quarter past rieven o'clock. • 11011 SE OF IF —n."--- 0.11310S THIS DAY. NOTICES OF MOTIONS. 1. Mr. Fyashe Palmer—To empower Magistrates at Quarter Sessions to effect exchanges between Counties, of insulated parcels of land, for the more convenient administration of justice. 2. Sir John Newport—Motion relating to the Levy of Church Rates in Ireland. 3. Sir Henry Parnell—Bill to amend the Llw of Landlord and Tenant in Ireland. 4. Sir Ilenry Parnell—Bill to regulate the Office orJustice 0 Peace in Ireland. b. Sir Robert Heron -13,11 to amend the Sewer Laws. PRICES OF BRITISH Balk Stork Ditto Acct. 238 3 per Cent. Red. 941 95 3 per (ent. Con*. 941 Ditto Acct. 94a 94 a 3.34 per Cent. 101 0 pet Cent. Red. 1011 f ew 4 per Cent. 108 a ;TOCKS YESTERDAY. lmtia Stock 285} Ditto Acct. Ditto Bonds 98 96 pm Long. Ann. 23,1 5.16 Ex. Bills, 2d. LOW. 1►iR0,10.1,0001.63 61 03 pm Ditto, 34191. 63 61 63 nm Ditto. Small 63 61 63 pm PRICES t IF ILIttEItAN Austrian Bonds 97 Brazilian Bonds Ditto Scrip 18 pin Ditto Scrip (11325) 4 pin Buenos Ayres Bonds 91i Colombian Bonds (18'24) 901 I Ditto Acct. 91 French Reines 104 f. 50c. Exchange 25f. 10c. Greek Bonds 57A 3 8 Ditto Scrip (1825) 011 1 pm Ditto Acct. of pm Mexican Bonds 004 Ditto Acct. BUf Ditto Scrip (1825) 34 4 4 pm Ditto Acct. 34 pm Neapolitan Bonds 911 sTOClis VESTEUDA I. Peruvian Bonds 855 5 Ditto Acct. Portuguese Bonds 904 Ditto Acct. 901 Prussian Bonds IUI4 Ditto Acct. Ditto Bonds (1822) 100,1 Ditto Acct. Russian Bonds (1822) 97 3 Ditto Acct. Ki Spanish Cons. 244 5 5 Ditto 4 1 cct. 245 5 d 8 4 Ditto Cons. (1823) 194 Ditto Acct. 194 Ditto Bonds (1820) 23 YESTERDA G ‘$ LIOHT AND COKE COM- PANIRS. Continental 9} Provincial Portable 34 I United General 13 IRON RAILWAYS. Birming.atut Li‘• rpool 3} London and Northern AIISCELLANIOLTS. Australian 26 21 British Iron Company 7 1 8 Bristol Ship Canal i Canada Company 30 29 Cien. Steam Nariliation lni Uold Coast Association 8} 31etto. Alderney Dairy 4. Metro Fish Company I/ Pearl Fishery (Yellow) 19 IBi Prov. Bank of Ireland 9/ Patent Bricks 44 PRICES OF SHA: ASSURANCE COMPANIES. Alliance Brit. and For. ldi Ditto 3.larine 7} Protector 2 Ij MINES. Anglo-3leziean 130 135 Anglo-Chillan 18 17A Arigna Iron and Coal 19 18 BoJanos 505 pm Brazilian 20 273 Cliilian 23 23i Colombian 40 • Uen. Mining Association 20 15i Hibernian 111 9 Pasco Peruvian 40 51 Real del Monte 1120 Rio de la Plata 35 United Mexican 150 155 Ditto New 374 pm Welch Iron and Coal fiLL Sir Robert Heron was in the Hoese of Commons, and voted in the Minority on Friday last. A son of Alderman Atkins contests Arundel at the next election. fficaritioll Sir ess._ AtinT je()T,4 This Stelling. TITESIS.‘V, Feb VP. will be pinlarihrd THE VALI. OF Al.olFllq. The Prlnc:pal ChuartersSteesra Sarin. Tern', Horn, Hark". ,Gattio. Browne. Merv*, ani o. Slottii; Idastir Ldniondt; bisehau.es Stephens, tiradd.ni. Nicol, end Corr. After which a new Pastoral Ballet, Galled RoSSIONOI.: Or. THE PIED IN THF i11'.14. The Praulpal Chanute= by Kr. and Mrs. :Ville, de To e..nrqudis with OLP 4ND VeIJNO. The Four doss brays by LW Clara Fisher. On Thursday, per Freisehutz, and the Pantomime. 7 . IIFATRE ROYAL, COVENT-GARDEN'. This Evening, TUESDAY, February 42. oin be performed TIIE BELLE'S TRA TAGEM. glr Georg, Torelissood, Mr. Cooper; Ddrieotirt, Mr. C. Kemble; Hardy, Mt. Fawcett: nuttbr Mr. Jones. Letitia Ilaray, Mies Fonts; Lady Frances Tuuebwuod , Miss F. H. Kelly ; Mrs. Racket, Mrs. Gibbs. After whit THE MILLER AND HIS MEN. arindolt Mr. Farley; Earl, Mr. Blanchard; Lotbalr, Mr. Cooper: Claudine, MraVinina Itarina, Mrs. Fatten. On Thu/edgy, A ItJland fur an Oliver, Cl arlet the Second, and Dl^ Pantomime. THEATRE ROPAL,FIVOLIgH OPERA 11017 SE, *STRA MD. • To-rnorrrow. WVONESDAY, February 22, I.F.t: Plitt e ON ASTRONOMY And the PHENOMENA of the HEAVENS and of the EARTH. To be delivered by Mr. BARTLE'. on the 11EDNESDAVS aud FRI DOES LENT. The Theatre will be cur tautlywarmed by large Stoves in various parts tne tiouse. T.ekete of Aduiliietn.: for Facilites to be had on m Iderkte Terms at the Bnx-otlice.—Doors to be overlaid at half-past Six, and Mein st Seven. The Barrieri Clue ecinineneed publishing yesterday. moming at tit e o'clock. LONDON, TUESDAY. FEBRUARY 22, 1823. The Paris Papers of Saturday, like those of the preceding day, arc filled with the debates in the Chamber of Depu tie& on the propsed indemnity to the emigrants. In another column we • bare given an abstract of the discussion on Friday. Many speakers yet remain to be heard. M. GlllaiunN, who was not 'allowed to address the Chamber on Thursday, has published the speech he intended to have delivered. His object was to 3tave pointed out the coney of the emigrants voting in favo , 4r of a project in which they are, as individ ua l s , so directly and deeply in terested. It appears from his calculation, that there are, in the .present Chamber of Deputies, 320 members of the old privileged classes, 184 of whom belong to the ancient nobility; besides which there are 260 p u bli c f unct i onar i es . _ _ The Law of Sacrilege has passed the Chamber of Peers by a majority of 127 against In the present temper of the Deputies, there can be no doubt it will be carried triumphantly through the Lower Chanabcf. The only question with them will be, whether, in accordance with the wishes of the clergy, they ought not to render its penal ties more sanguinary and revolting. An amendment was moved by M. DE BASTARD, to sutstitute the punishment of hard labour for that of death, and supported by M. Dr CIIATCACDRIAND. It was rejected by a majority exceed ing the minority by only four votes, Cr numbers being 108 against 101, The Peers were *Pens/ads occupied with the consideration of a law agaimit piracy. The President of Hayti has ordered the Legislative Body of that Republic to be convoked for the 10th of January, on account of urgent circumstances. The Moniker contains an official ordonnance of the KING, appointing a special commission for investigating the public accounts. Of the dangerous illness of FER• DIN•ND VII. there can now be no doubt whatever. The Etoile of Sunday announces that" the state of King Fey.- DINAND'S health causes general alarm ; the gout has taken the direction of the stomach." His death, at this mo ment, would be attended with many important political consequences. His brother, Don CARLOS, would most probably disengage the Spanish monarchy from some of the principal difficulties in which it is involved. He has had no personal share in bringing them on the country; and having witnessed their mischievous effects, he has no false pride to deter him front adopting a sounder and snore liberal system of Government, From the Erode, dated Sunday.i Pants, FCB. 19. The state of King Ferdinand's health causes general alarm. The gout has taken the direction of the stomach. The Duke de Montebello arrived on the 13th at Frankfort, from Dresden. M. Van Brienen Van de Goote Limit. Member of the First Chamber of the States, has given 100.000 florins (nearly ten thousand pounds sterling) towards the relief of the victims of the inundations in Holland. A law project has been presented to the Second Chamber of the States' General of the Netherlands for a grant of eight millions of florins to be placed at the disposal of the Government, for the pur pose of repairing the disasters occasioned by the inundations and high tides on the 3d, 4th, and sth instant, preventing others, and relieving the sufferers by that terrible catastrophe. FRENCH FCNDS.—PARIS, FEB. 19.-5 per Cents. 104 f. 20c.; Bank Stock, 1990 f. ; Rents de Naples, Falconnet Certificates, RV. SSE. ; Rente d'Espagnes 19191 f. ; Royal Spanish Loan, 11123, 84—Exchange on London, 1 mouth, z.za. sc. ; 3 mouths, 24f. 90c. —Cours Authrufigus, Fes. 19. The Bill for suppressing the unlawful Associations now existing in Ireland was read a second time last night, after a discussion which, in point of length and interest, fell much below those which have preceded it. Indeed, the opinion of Parliament has been so clearly expressed as to this question, that there remains only the consideration of the means to effectuate the object in view. Some of those minor Members of the Opposition who could not obtain a bearing on the previous evenings of debate, raised their voices last night against the Bill, but on the division the majority of votes was greater than ever. For the second reading there were 253, against it only 107, leaving a sur plus majority in favour of the Bill of 146 Members. The call of the House was postponed for a week; but it will be noticed, by the numbers, that the House was much fuller than on any previous evening during this Session. The result is, that the more the friends of the Catholic Association call for the opinion of Parliament and the country, the more decidedly it is expressed against them. We observe that Mr. GRENFELL thought fit to repeat the bold, loyal, and patriotic sentiment to which he gave utterance a few evenings ago, viz. that " his dying prayers would be, that, if the Irish Catholics resisted, they might be successful." If any speaker or writer, out of Parlia ment, were, at this peculiar moment, to endeavour to in flame the Irish Catholics to rebellion, by preaching to them the sacred duty of insurrection, he would certainly and most deservedly be prosecuted for sedition. Such an incendiary would, however, expose himself to some risk in the act of scattering his firebrands ; and, though we should eihor the atrocity of his design, we could nat entirely despise him as a cowardly instigator of others to mischief, in' the dangers of which he dared not himself participate. But if there were a Member of Parliament, who, forgetting all that he owed to his country, should take advantage of the shelter given to him by the law, fur purposes of a far different character, to incite a misled and ignorant popu lation to the resistance of the King's Governtnent and the authority of the Legislature, and to offer up publicly his prayers that the empire might be torn to pieces by internal dissensions and civil war ;—if there were such a Member; we say, as this, to be found in Parliament, in whit terms ought we to describe him ? It 2 ppeate by the Army Estimates for this year that the intended augmeotgioa of our military force wi2l sought .. of 13,000 men: the increase will be from the 45th March, aril in the infantry only. Each battalion will be raised from 575 rank and file to 740, or, incl , :dhlg eflicers, froin GSG to 533. The infantry of the line, aelusive cf those serving in India, are now in number 53,95 c ; by the purposed adefttien to battalion. they will amount to 69,301, including offite . i. The geberal distribution of ti.ei present force fa, for Great Britain, including reliefs, MOO men ; for stations abroad, excepting India, 32;166 men/ and for Ireland, 20,879 men. An attempt, we observe;.is making to call forth an eipreasion of pulite opinion against the increase of our miiitary establishment. We predict, confidently, that this attempt will fail. The people sff England, no doubt, wish to be relieved from rem part of their financial burthens, wlijeli► can safely aril preperly, be removed ; but they are not so senseless as, for the mere pleasure of clamouring against the Alinistry, to desire that the military .power of their country should lie reduced klow the standard, wleich, looking to the vast extent of our dorninieua, and to the emergencies that pay arise, is cessary to support the authority of the Britiso Government. That would lre . A false and a miserable economy, which, in .order to save few thousands of pounds, World take from us the cotn?.. mending - station we now bold in the Affairs of the world, By voluntarily shrinking into the condition of an insi,gtri ticant power, we should draw down upon ourselves con tempt and insult, and at last he compelled to prove that, our weakness was only apparent, by resorting to hostile measures, which, in their very outset, would more than absorb all the savings of this narrow and petty policy. As to those who refer us continually to the reign cf Kin; WILLI a u 111. for the constitutional mazirrram cf our ex. penses, we know net hoW to reply to -them gravely. Why not at once go back, with the late Major Cenvoratiairv,. to the days of King ALF-AED and the Saxon Wittenagee mote? In degree alone would the latter be more absurd. but not a jot in principle. Let - tiny rasps for a moment con trast the commerce, ': -. )3pulitiOn, and territory, of the British Empire now with what it spas aieentniy ego. Let him re flect, also, opowthe changes thqt have taken place within the same paVid on the Continent of Europe. The true • matter of soryrise - is, not that a force.cf . 86,436 men shotthl be required, but that so few should be ruflicient to uphold the dignity and importance of this great country. It will be observed, we are mire with great pleasure 14 the whole country, that Mr. Secretary Prat gave notice last night, that on Thursday he will move for leave t: bring in his excellent Bill, relative to the linpannelling cf Juries. • His Royal Highness the Duke of York was so much re covered yesterday as to be able to ride out in his cabriales in the course of the afternoon, and to pay a visit to the King, at his Palace, in Pall-mall. His Royal Higher - 4 was visited yesterday by the Princess Sophia. We understand that their Poydl Highnesses the Dulles • of Cumberland and Cambridge will both visit this Metro polis in the course of the ensuing month. On the 11th instant, at seven o'clock, His Serene Itgh ness Frederick IV., Doke of Saxe Gotha, died. By death the male line of the branch descending from Duke Ernest the Pious, which has reigned nearly 200 years, is extinct ; and the dominions of the House fall to Inc colla teral branches in Hildburghauten, Coburg, and Meinin gen, who have published a prnelamation.to that effect. The money markets were lively throughout the day, sill the prices at the close were for the most part firm. Coil sols for money 941 i to and the same terms may be quoted for the account transactions. The foreign market sees et r brisk, New Greek Scrip locked quite steady at t, and was thought well of; the Old Greek was 67i to SS; Spanish was a good deal looked after; it was done at 244 ; New Spanish was 19i; the price of New Brazilian Scrip wat 44 ; Ncer Mexican, ditto 34 4;. the Mines were all ire provibg ; the Pasco Peruvian, which had such a sudden advance towards the close of the week, fluctuated hetwece 49 and 46, and at the latter price it left off. The petition of the Roman Catholics of Ireland will be certainly presented by Sir F. Burdett this day. The Hoc. Baronet was to have presented it yesterday ; but before be had an opportunity of introduciug it, the House had re solved itself into a Committee ; after which, according to the forms of the House, no petition can be received. Upwards of one hundred thoimand signatures are sub scribed to the petition. It is generally expected that the Hon. Baronet will also, in the course of the evening, give notice of a Motion, the object of which will be to bring on the immediate discussion of the general question of Catholic Emancipation. The Deputation of Irish Catholics, which has been now in town since Friday, was increased y the arrival of Lord Killeen, son of Lord Fintr,all, and a son of Lord Gormans town, on Sunday morning. The Deputation waited on Sir Francis Burdett On Sunday. The best understanding prevails between the members of the Irish and British Catholic Associations. A General Meeting of the Catholic*. is to take place on Friday next, and On Saturday it is pro posed to give Mr. O'Connell, and the ether gentlemen wb compose the Deputation, a complimentary dinner. Se- • veral of the most distinguished Parliamentary friends o:!' Catholic Emeneipation are to be invited. It was at first intended that the dirmer should be professedly Catholic; but, in consequence of the number of applications which have come from persons who do not answer that descriptioc; the promoters of the dinner have resolved to call it a dinner given by the friends of Ireland. D. O'Connell, Esq. will take the chair at the City of London Tavern, the let of March, for the dinner of the East London Catholic Charity Schools. It is reported in London, that unless other more impor tant changes take place in the Irish Administration be tween this and Easter, Mr. Plunkett will certainly get the Irish Chancery Seals. I're also have it from good authOrtly that Ministers are determined, under existing circumstances, not to dissolve Parliament this year.—lrish Times. It appears by private letters from Paris, that the meet , ing in that capital, of the Ministers of the Continental Powers was, intended before the British Government hat announced its determination to conclude treaties with the South American States. The approaching coronation of the King of France afforded an opportunity which the diplomatists had resolved not to neglect. The mission of his Grace the Duke of Sorthuniberlantl, as Ambassador Extraordinary on occasion of the Corona tion of the King of France, engrosses at present a great share of the public attention and conversation. This em bassy will be supported with extraordinary splendor_ Forty of the Duke's principal lessees have offered to accom pany him at their own charge, as a mark of respect; and it is very currently reported that his Grace's suit will be augmented by a very numerous body of his tenantry.— Newcastle Chronicle. Letters have been received from Barcelona, dated Feb. 10, in which it is stated that Ferdinand has published a decree, ordering the merchants of Barcelona, who are mak ing out claims for injuri e s do ne t o Sp an i s h comme r ce . b? the vessels of the States, to include in those Claims all it,j , iry sustained from South American privateers whick could be proved to have sailed from the ports of the tnite4 States. fh.. , appearance of this decree has caused a great sensation in Barcelona, it being feared that stich extrava gant pretensions may tetminate in hostilities. wi t h America. which would at onc e d e stroy all the little tr ade now carry • ing on by the Spanish By the Elizabeth, letters dated the Sth ter contain no local former we learn witii holidays had passed all appearances led would be restored to peel excitement to mischief sr, We regret to learn, continues at Ali Vicars 10 Ince itarhly iny h merchants. Ekin, from Jamaica, wel,stre received tilt. and paPera of the 6th. The las- t or foreign news whatever. By thb II great pleasure, that the Christ's* orf Quietly with the negroes, and tbit the colonists to hope that the islisal N•rn,anent ttarquillity , unite" (nab of was furnished from ,withouta rn, that the riberaill• Dr. Part *ba :stage of Ration; is in cue) 3 ttope of ido r-ootety. 1,1 • • - • a • M v I S ,~ 1 I I 1 1 ;~. I i kr . • 74 1 .i, •