The British Press; or, Morning Literary Advertiser.
London, England, 1824-11-12 00:00:00

THE BRITISH PRESS.

mass of the population, a more ardent and active spirit
of religions controversy has recently manifes:ed it►elf
amongst the clergy and gentry of tit: Protestant and Ca-
tholic persuasion.
The operation of this spirit has hitherto been confined
to parephlets, printed letters in the newspapers, and intern-
pirate speeches at the Catholic Association, and at the late
meetings of the Bible Society in different puts of Ireland.
This ti nelency to enter into polemical discussions upon
the comparative merits of the Protestant and Catholic re-
ligions, and to indulge in animadversions upon the magni-
tude of the property of the &Amblished Church in Ireland,
is quite new amongst the Catholics, who were accustomed,
heretofore, to restrict themselves to the assertion of their
claim to a participation of civil rights.
In answer to this observation, the Catholic Clergy say, I
that they never used an hostile expression until they felt
themselves attacked by the Archbishop of Bente a .1i ce-
lebrated antithesis; and until they felt their religion in
danger from the scheme of proselytism which they allege
themselves to have discovered under the system of educa-
tion pursued by the Kildare-street Society, as well as by
the Ilibeniian Society established in England for the en-
couragement of education in Irelaud.
It is true that the public attention has of late been
strongly directed to these subjects, and it is likely that this
effect may have been lucre:teed by the researches of the
Parliamentary Commissioners of Inquiry into the State of
Education iu Ireland, appointed last Session.
The greatest advantages are expected from the Report of
' that Commission to Parliament; but in the interval, it
has, of course, tended to heighten the excitement existing
on this subject; which has been still further aggravated
by the appearance of certain English members of the
Bible Society, who hare been travelling through Ireland,
al attending the meetings in different parts of the coun-
try. Discussions have taken place between these persons
and the Catholic Clergy, which in some instances, we
believe, have been productive of good rather than of
harm, as they seem to have rectified some erroneous opi-
nions mutually entertained of each other by the opposite
parties, zud to have so far anoctlied the way to conci-
liation. •

At a meeting at WATEftcottn, a very able speech of Mr.
Esstoren, a Roman Catholic clergyman, contaimd so li-
beral an explanation of the principles of the Roman Ca-
tholic Clergy, as to call forth expressions of warm appro-
bation from sevvral Protestant clergymen present, and
from Mr. Norf. and Mr. Counox, to whom his speech
was in answer ; and the disputants separated with reci-
procal demonstrations of esteem. It cannot be doubted
but that temperate and free discussion would afford the
best and melt effectual means of correcting and removing
the prejudices and misconceptions which have so lung kept
alive the divisions of this distracted country.

Great apprehension on the other Laid is (Lit and ex-
pressed by many most respectable persons, that tile efi•ct
of these discussions will not be confined to the higher
orders, between whom they take place; but that they must
inevitably operate upon the bulk of the Irish nation, in a
manner ■like hostile to the private quiet and to the public
interest of that kingdom ; and this party aver that they
can already perceive symptoms of an extensive combina-
tion amongst the people, for some object at present mys-
terious; and that a great explosion is speedily to be appre-
hended. Be this surtnisz well warranted or not, certain is
is that no evidence appears in support of it ; and judging
from external appearances, the conduct of the lower orders
never exhibited fewtr symptoms of an insurrectionary
spirit.

It is natural, however, that these apprehensions should
be entertained in a country in which so much has been
suffered, and where so many causes of discontent still re-
main ; and it would be most unwise to disregard them.
A considerable time must elapse, and many changes must
be made, before the Government would be justified in the
slightest relaxation of its vigilance, or in reducing the
military force in Ireland; since even the absence of
danger would not, at this crisis, justify the Government
in inciting attack by stripping itself of the mea►s of re-
aLiing it.

Itefure we conclude, we will say a word or two on the
subject of the Roman Catholic Association. This body
lias, within these few months, increased its numbers,
called forth its energy, and condensed its strength, in a
manlier that has tseitvil, as deservedly it might, a very
serious and very general attention.

When it was fast established by Mr. O'Cosscw., very
few persons of any consideration were connected with it.
His conduct and language had for some time been so in-
temperate, that the Roman Catholic Aristocracy prudently
kept aloof. In consequence of the wanner iu which the
Roman Catholic petition had been rejected in the Ilouse
of Commons in the last year, Mr.O'Coxs I. declared that
he despaired of obtaining resin LI by any representation Of
grievances, and that the Catholics had nothing to rely on
but their number and physical strength ; under such decla-
rations, doubts might fairly be entertained whether die
Catholic contributions, or rents, as they are termed, ni:ght
not be intended fur purposes actively hostile. Fur some
numbs past his language has been Inure reflective, and his
tone more guarded. He advises the seeking redress
through no ether than constitutional and legal means; and ,
the Catholic rent is to be vested in the funds, and applied
to defray the expense of petitions to Parliament, to furnish
the means of obtaining the aid and advocacy of the public
press in support of the Catholic cause, and to pay agents
and defray the various contingent expenses arising out of
their Association. I

In consequence of this subdued tone, and of the mode-
ration of his professed objects, a considerable number of
Catholics of rank and character have joined the Association,
and several Protestant Members of PArlinusesit and others
have subscribes! to the Catholic rent, which now produces
nearly .10u1. a week.

1 his Catholic Parliament has undoubtedly become a
more formidable body, and the Catholics io butt countries
are mute united, and more in a condition to act with one
impulse at this moment, than ever they were known to be
at any former period.

Some persons express their surprise that the Association
has been :aired to grow to its present siz:•and importance,
without sue attempt on the part of the loeiti tiovernruent
to cheek it. Bat unless the Legislature had thought fit in
the last S;saion to pass a law for that purpose, the local
Governmk at could not irrtevf•re. It has only to hope that
it will not, by its spirit, frustrate the plan flunked out by
its policy. Mr. O'Cown3t.t. is too good a lawyer, and ton
well versed in professional tactics, not to know how to keep
the constitution of this Assembly, and 311 its acts, within
the letter of the law. Ills popularity, at this moment, is
no doubt alarming; and if he had the disposition to do
mischief, the mans are within his reach. Persons who
know him well declare that he has no such intention, and
that be would be perfectly content with the accomprsh-

ment of the avowed object of the Catholic. body; viz. an
admission to a due participation of the benefits of the
liritish Constitution. Apparently his own inilividusl inte-
rest is bound up with the well-being of Ireland, and we
have no reason to distrust the opinion of his fr:ettils as to
the constitutional limit within wltich he is raid to hound
his olject and his e'forno SJ circumstanced, they may do
goal, and call occasion no evil. llere, for tLe present, we
shall leave the subject.

No vestte!s having strived from any part of the world,
business upon the Stock Eschan toutintoil remarkably
dull during the whole of yes terday. Consols remained
nearly stationary at the it former depressed prices. Mexican
Securities improved but little, and the Anglo- Mexican
Mining Shares, which had made so sudden a start, retro-
graded nearly 3 per cent. in the course of the day. A
letter was received from Guayaquil, dated July tit, stating,
that in the opinion of the writer, Bolivar, front his supe-
riority in nuinhers anal position, must he eertlin of victory
this, however, proves nothing, and even if it contaimal
statements purporting to he facts, there is a strong degree of
doubt in the public mind with regard to Gatiyaquil
We understand that Sir James blackintordi has written
a masterly Paper on international Law, with reference to
the Greeks, in width he urges the importanc• of red:Meil-
ing Maritime Tribunals in Greece. lids paper the I :,.eck
Committee have determined to transmit without loss of
time to the Provisional Government.

Some surprise was expressM at the statement in th
French papers, that Mr. Algeraon Percy had prexented
credentials to the King of France, ei Mini.ter Pleniit;-
tentiary, on the return of Sir Charlt a S:nart home. The
occurrence was perfectly in amirdanee with the regelar
etiquette of diplomacy. A Secretary of Embassy hay
always that rank dormant, and he prat ma it on the ree-il
of Ins Ambassaikr. Sir Charles Stuart was recalled. and
Lord Granville was not yet appoint, d Ainha isador resident.
so that Mr. limey was of course Ordinary Minister, mid
will continue so till Lord Granville presenis his eretien-
dais as resident Ambassador. 't is never usual for a great
Goverment to remain unrepresented ut For, ign friendly
Courts. Mr. Dougls will act in the same way at the
Netherlands Court t.:l the arrival of Sir Charier

Private letters from Bayonne of the 211 instaiy. leave no
doubt as to die evacuation or Spain by the French, as
orders have been given there to prepare voo Inals for dm
sick, and the establishment of the Military Hospital have
received notice, that after the mouth of November ail
the persona engaged in it will cease their functions.
I Of the English merchant taken by the 'Malays, there is
no further authentic in bilignice.
Letters from Demerara, dated lath Soptemlier, state,
the Colonia newspaper hail been suppressed by an or-
der from the Government, in coo ....e,tn•ne• several articles
of an inflammatory nature having appmr,sl, relative to the
slave trade, and to the proceedings lately adopted by the
English Government for the amelioration cf the slave mu-
! lation in Trinidad, and the other new colonies.
There are letters from Port-an-Prince, by way of Havre
de I;race, date il l;;;ptember Qs, which contain sore inte-
resting particulars of the state of St. Domingo. The Pre-
sident bad deeltred list he' anticipated a favourable result
from the mission of the Deputies (a letter from whom
reached Port-au-Prince early in September), and the mer-
chants, though still alarmed, were less disimseal to sacrifice
their merchandise than they had !Ken a short time pre-
viously. Tic conduct of the President towards the French
residents, was detnor.strative of his determination to remain
at peace with France if possible. In the month of August,
a French merchant had the misfortune to kill, in a duel,
the Captain of a Ilavtian vessel, for which lie was eon-
dettinwl to death by the Tribunal, but he subsequently ob-
tained a free pardon from the l'resident.
Cutacoa Papers to the YSth of September, have r•vichil
us. It appears from thorn that there is Pinch trmtde oral
discontent at Panama. It is also stab d is a Jamaica Pa-
per, that the inseirrections at that place, at Trinidad, and
Martinique, were secretly connived at by the Ilaytian
Government, in order to render them el. penitent on the
ITaythina ; in proof of which, tiny that the massacre
of esc whites was intended fur the same day in each of
those places.
The following is an extract of a letter received by the
Agents to Lloyd's at Alvarado, from Charles N 1• Kenzie,
Esq., British Consul fur Vera ('ruz, dated Jalapa, 13th
August:—" In conseqoence of General Lertiaur claiming
the right of levying duties on 5, sails en'i. ring the Bay of
Sacrificios, I have applied to Vice-Admiral II alsti ail for a
!tritisli ship of war to he constantly on this mast, but as I
inn not yet aware how such an arran...;ement may be prac-1
ticable, I beg you will state to the Committee b.r enattag-
ing the affairs at Llord's, that it will be tlesirabie, so long
as the port of Vera Cruz remains in ha present condition,
that no British merchant vessel should resort to it. Ina ra-
ther that they should avail thelmelves of the rrt of Alva
ratio, where all the necessary arrangements have
been made. Should, however, any case arise in wh:cli el-
ther the draught of water, or sty other circumstance. render
it necessary fur a vessel to anchor at Sacritiebal, I beg to .1
recommend the southern entrain.ce to that anchorage, by
which she would avoid, at any time, b within the :wage
of the guns of the Castle of San Juan 11.1"iitla."
The following has been posted at Lloyd's:—
A torshrApn. AVG. ;,t Sitrifici4. and l'ltrgrriA:._.
A r (410.. - this Britannic 31ajcsty's hors:, G. 11:.rtis,
from Jan.aitm.

Aro. lI.—A Spanish frigate. two Inrf.ve ententes, aid tire mer-
chant ships with troop... stopinimil mi!iout ;AO to tioti to relieve
the garrison of the Castle et St. de Clio&

The following letter. dated Ilavaimals, Aug, 5z7, explains
the nature of the late sr tmpt of 'ilia to r •store the Con-
stitution :—" Vie bar,' just rec..ivecl advises that an nircer
of dragoons :tamest Rodrivisez, ra'secl the cry of Worn
with the absolute Cove:inns:sit of Spain, and up with the
Constitution !' The wlnde corps of dragoons followed him,
and they immediately pnweele.l into the interior. We do
nut knew what &maims's, he hag taken, nor do we know the
extent of his partigans. 'the Covering -General, Vireo.
instantly declared h;su a traitor, mid sent .Innossa, with
Isis party, after him. 11 hat will 11.! the tesult we cannot
tell. Tin re is a large party here in favour of a more liberal
system, although, thank Ord! Ferdinand cannot act here
as he Ilia g in Spain ; hut great roo!s an, entortaMecl of the
Negros, and this and a tolerably i,cral tr.tdo ke. p people
quiet.'
•
Irtiamnr.—The following account of the last moments
of this adventurer is copied from the Al:xican paper, El
,Vol, of the 11th of August :
" Although from the nu:tient in which Iturhide was arrested by
Gen. Garza, lee most lama Ihr...seen that his enterprise was trus-
trated, he traintaitiesl gr..at calmness. and pod, Oily did not foresee
the fate that awaited hint. On the at tart .c in the afte moon,
General Garza, from whose contluet duty 11.1 never excludes!
I humanity, needled to blot by an 011ie r. ileit he moat prepare to
die that very day. A proMunei stupor was then succeeded by the
meat earnest entreaties. that the tNertllon of the sentence might
he delayed till tile Supreme li.e..e.einient received an Recount cat
his pimento). General thr,a shmilied in him. that melt a &her
was not in his power, and that he was metier the neceasity of fttf-
filling order whirh hod b e o imp k.‘,l upon Ithtt. Then bur-
' bide prepared for death. coniessOeg hut.alt to Gonave*, one of the
Demi ties if that nate. At sic tit ii,. evetiirg he was led to the mtblie
situate, in the midst of which sr:: drawn ttp fit or 7U soldiers, alio
had come along with lien. 11;3/7.3. The groups of people who sm.
rounded them observed the wellc in the grow-at silence. Senor liar.
bide asked. a moment before his eveciee non, for a elms of water- and
as sewn as he had drank it, falling-on leis knee, beftere the troops, he
recommended to them oheelit I,re to ttieir chiefs and the fulfilment
of their military duties: and besought them bt consider bas pu-
nishment, if ignominious, as extruding only to hintarlf. sad ter-
minated by his death, without reaching hie family ; manifesting s
desire that his death might he useful to the nation. W:.en he had
concluded this address, the I Hlieer gave the troll.' the terrible a,,;.
nal, atxl 'turbid'. instant; y tell to the earth t which w
carried soon afire to a building near the parish chorelt, tollowed
by the troops. On the followitut day he was it. 'rand sill, all the
decency whirh the smaltieue of the ',emulation would allow.
Whilst this catastrophe will c.ming on in Itdihi m, di. wife of Intr.
bide, with ins two %1111%, atteud,d be t a priests, dismiharkrel at
stow ha Marina. rh •!, etre bal on sli,re with them several trs:l,ks
containing a great numbs r of printed preslametiona tilled with ac-
counts of expeditions to he' undertaken by the Dole Alliance, cir-
culars to Bishops and F.edesinSliCAl Councils. and other things of
that sort: together with a magetiticent imperial nnottle, sunburns,
remise., ionigniai and :ether things of the wane kind. As soon as
the account of the eAts totem reached Soto de la Marina, the vessel
in winch they came cut its cablcs, :n:d andest away with all those
who had remained ow board. wi:e of Iturbiele remained be.
hind, without say change of liven, or a single real of money:
Gem-rat Carts was tl.,.ralcrs c!..ligred .3We her with awry
thlog.••