The Express.
London, England, 1868-06-09 00:00:00

THE IRISH CHURrIf QUESTIO.V.

IDOKITATION TO YR. DISRAELI.

A deputation ("ono/ding of nobience and gen-
tlemen representing the Ulster Protestant Defence Asso-
ciates' and the Central Protestant Defence Association m
Dublin, together with their various breaches throughout
Ireland, wailed yesterday upon the Premier, at his official
residence in Downing-street, for the purpose of laying be-
fore him resolutions passed by those bodies in reference
to the proposed disceteblishment and disendowrnent of the
Irish church, and of making statements in support of
theme resolutions.
The Marquis of Dovessines introduced the deputation,
and read the resolutions which the associatione represented
had come to. These, in effect, expressed a determination
to support the connexion of church and state in Ireland,
and to oppose any attempt to endow the Roman catholic
church, and a belief that the region" &num is inadequate
in amount, and ought to be increased.
The other members of the deputation who spoke were
the Earl of Bender', the Rev. Mr. Henderson, prem.
bytinian, and the Rev. Mr. D. M'Afee, methodist minister.
Mr. Dten•zu. in reply expressed the pleasure he expert-
eueed in receiving that deputation, which he looked upon
as representing the general sentiments of the proteelant,
population of Ireland. I can assure you (he continued)
that so far as the protestant churches and the protestant
institutions of Ireland are contsanod, you need have no fear
that her Majesty's present government will not eland by
them—(cheer*—arid to the utmost of their efforts
sup-
port and maintain them. (Load cheers.) We are
well aware of the critical portion of affairs in
Ireland from the pedal wkkL has suddenly been
introduced by the opposition in the prevent parliament.
But I think we desalt be taking a very limited view of the
situation if we looked upon Res only affecting the inte-
rests of Ireland. In the opinion offer Majesty's govern-
ment, the intetests of the whole United Ytagdom
are contemned, and the blow Chet is to he dealt to the
institutions of Ireland must in due time, an a neceseaary
consequence, be levelled against the institutions of Great
Britain. Under these eircuuretances of great difficulty,
and no doubt of great danger, her Majesty's government
have taken that course which they believed was their duty,
namely, to take earn that no precipitate decision was ar-
rived at by parliament upon a question of paramount im-
portance suddenly introduced to its consideration. And
although from the position in which we were placed,
having accepted office originally in a minority, we have
not bees able to accomplish that which we could have
desired, we have at least secured this for the
people of this country, that their constitution shall not be
subverted without an appeal to them. (Cheers.) 8o that
if there is to be a great and lamentable change m the in-
stitution. of the United Kingdom, it will be by the
of the United Kingdom, and not by the machinations_ people
part'
of politicians who have seised • favourable oepm-
of carrying their revolutionary designs into effect.
(Lou and prolonged cheering.) The question. therefore,
simply is this—Do the people of the United King-
dom wish for a revolution ? Do they wish for a
subversion of these institutions, to which they owe, in my
opinion, their happiness and their greatness? (Loud
cheers.) Her Majesty's ministers will not believe that
that can be the case, and they look forward with the
utmost confidence to the impending appeal to this great
nation, believing that the verdict to be given will be one
to uphold the institution,' of the country, and among three
institutions those in which you are peculiarly intereeted—
the protestant institutions of Ireland. (Loud and pro-
!moved cheerins.)
The Marquis of Dowiescrat thanked the right hon.
gentleman, and the deputation withdrew.