The British Press; or, Morning Literary Advertiser.
London, England, 1824-03-26 00:00:00

HIGHLAND ROADS AND BRIDGES.

Mr. Spiller, from the Commissioners for repairing Highland
Roads and Bridges, presented their Tenth Report.
Earl CLARE. presented a petition from the ()metal Association
in the county of Tipperary for the Encoura t of Trade and
Commerce, and another from the weavers of Cashel ; but we ware
unable to tern the object of either of them. They were laid OD
the table. -

TITHE COMPOSITION BILL.
Viscount CLIYDEN led a petition ham the laadhalfma
Olbelladdrat ift-the asset! of Litaterielt, and soarer
hats the Isadhekters a path In the away of ebek, phyla'
that there shoold be no chnpuhery clause in the Tithe ComiasaP
don Act.

The Marquis of LANSDOWK presented a similar prides
ham the fanners of the parish of Bt. Orrery, In the county of Cork.
They were laid on the table.
Tbit Earl of KINGSTON stated that he had a petition on this
subject to present from the inhabitants of the model of Rally.
lough, in the county of Cork, which he thought required their
Lordship's serious consideration. In that parish the clergyman
had asked 2,0001. pee annum under the new Tithe Bill ; and befdre
that Act came into operation he had been able to procure 1,4008.
The conscience of this Clergyman, Dr. Woodward, in thus acting.
was something like the conscience of the person who brought in
the Bill, which took the land from the owners, and gave it to the
clergy. The avarice of Dr. Woodward was not apparent In this
leinnaction only . • he employed the twist rapacious tithe proctor in
all Ireland, whose name was Delaney; and he was no neurone for
his extortion and persecution that he vial called the " cruel De.
laney." In IRO', when the highest or prices could be obtained
for every at:reeler of agricultural produce, the tithes of Dr. Wood-
ward were let for 1,6001 ; now that clergyman had the ennaienee,
when peace prices were established, to ask for 2,0001. a year. He
moved their Lordships that the petition be laid on the table.
The Bishop of LIMERICK said, that he held in his hand a
letter from the Rev. Dr. Woodward, relating to the petition that
had been introduced by the Noble Earl (Kingston), which stated,
that the assertions in it were erroneous. He did not mean to say
that the Noble Earl had intended to misstate facts ; but from the
long knowledge he had of Dr. Woodward, he was sure that he was
quite above making an attempt to impose upon him, and through
him upon their Lordships. As to the statement made relative to
the composition of 10119, Doctor Woodward observed that in that
year he first came to reside in the new glebe house of his parish,
which he had bulk at considerable expense. It was then proposed
by his neighbour, Mr. Alontgoniety, that he should take a less sum
than was usually his due, in consequence of his recent arrival in
his parish. This arrangement was entered into in 1000, as an ex.
periment, and it was proposed by Doctor Woodward that two
farmers in each town land should let it as sees, at ',rot pet
annum, instead of 1,600 guineas, as had been originally proposed.
He could not avoid remarking upon the tone and manner that had
been displayed in introducing this subject, one part of which had
only been heard, sod be thought it not quite fair to drag an indi.
vidual forward in the way that Doctor Woodward had been: It
was contrary to the spirt of the British Constitution, one of the
first principles of which was, that a man should not be condemned
unheard. He must ever deprecate the practice of sapping the
foundation of the Constitution by such ntnuis; and particularly he
moot deprecate it in that place. where the Constitution ought,
more than in any other, to be protected. Their Lordships ought
to be careful in giving way to a practice that might lead to the
most fatal consequences. Of Doctor Woodward he would say,
and he had known him long, that a more assiduous Clergyman ot
• kinder neighbour did not east ; and if his parishionee, could be
eolled to the bar of their Lordships' House, they would try that
there was not a kinder or a more humane man than their_ pas.
tor. But it had been too common in Ireland, 'since the Tithe
Act had been in operation, for persona who ought to set a better
example, to go about and agitate the people reganling it. The land,
holders of the country objected to it, because it tool the payment
of tithes from the shoal of the poor, and laid it upon the
shoulders of the landed ors, where it ought to lie.
The Earl of KIMOS ON observed, that after the remarks of the
venerable Prelate he trusted their Lordships would allow him to say
a few words in explanation. He was mute satisfied that there was
no Act that the Clergy liked better; because there was none that
could be mare productive to them. With regard to the assertion of
the Right Rev. Prelate, that the poor would be relieved by it at the
expense of the landed proprietors, he had only to observe, that he
paid 16111. be. for tithes in his parish, under the old system. So
much, therefore, for the imputation against landowners. With re-
gard to the arrangement with Dr.AVoodward's neighbour, Mr.
Moot , that took place before he (Earl K.) came to reside
there. He believed, upon inquiry, that it would be found that Dr.
Woodward was not so humane a man as the venerable Prelate had
described him. It was impossible to know what a Rector made by
his tithes ; foe no one could see his tithe-book. He considered the
Act which had produced the present discussion, one to rob the laity
in order to pay the clergy.
The Marquis of IsANSDOWN knew nothing of the circum-
stances that had given rise to the petition, or to the parish from
whence it came; but he rose in consequence of what had fallen
from the Right Rev. Prelate opposite in the latter part of his speech.
He viewed with a sincere respect the situation that venerable P.
lete held, for whose personal character he entertained the highest re-
gard, believing, as he did, that it adorned his high station. Having
said thus much, which he did most readily. he must now remark
upon an expression made use of by the Right Rev. Prelate, which
perhaps was inadvertently thrown out—he alluded to that part of
his speech, where he spoke of the exertions of the landed proprie.
tors in Ireland to prevent the Bill front paring; aril the venerable
Prelate expressed himself as if they were to blame for so doing. It
was moat important to bear in mind, that if any blame attached it
was against persons voting in opposition to the Bill, and using their
influence against its operation. Thera were the persons the vene-
rable Prelate stigmatised in his speech ; but God forbid that the
influence of property should not exist and have its due weight.
With regard to the Act itself, it would be the moot extraordinary
measure that ever passed the Legislature, if it did not equally divide
the burden of tithes • the strongest invasions of property might
be anticipated, probably by those who held their property upon
foundations r sacred from tithes as the church held its property.
A great interference of the property of individuals so preserved, be
should consider as most unjust. although he should wish to ce-
ntre every diseredos in the opposition, and not press their pecu-
liar interests with too much earnestness; still, for compulsion to
be exercised towards ranee individuals would he a most untenable
measure, and they would be enabled to make any resistance against
that which so unjustly invaded their property. Ile hoped not to
be told, that persons exercising the lehottinate influence of ro pperty
were exercising it immorally, in opposition to the Act. He never
would sit silent in that House and hear immorality attached to
their conduct on such an occasion. Ile wished as much as the
venerable Prelate, that the church of Ireland should not fall into
decay, but her membent should use consideration, whether it would
be prudent in them to employ their influence with energy ; foe if
compulsion was applied to those individuals, it would be the most
iniquitous measure, in breach of the Act of Union, in departure of
every principle regarding pn-perty, which ought to be particularly
guarded in that House, and whilst no compulsion was laid on the
church, or on the occupying tenants not paying those tithes. He
was willing to hope that the venerable Prelate would reflect on
these cireumstaxer, and not cause agitation himself, which he
seemed to Iletheeste so much in others. He looked to the ultimate
success of this measure, but he deprecated any thing like par-
tiality.
The Bishop of LIMERICK was not aware of a syllable that
he had uttered, that could impute moral criminality to those land-
lords who had opposed the Acs. Ile could assure the Noble Mar-
tian, that he did not mean to stigmatise them in the slightest de.
give ; but he had a strong opinion. not as to the justice, but as to
the prudence of their conduct. If he could employ stronger lan-
guage, in order to prevent his speech from hurting the feelings of
any man, he would do it.
Loed KING said, that the Home had now heard both sides of
this question i they had heard the Noble Earl near him, and the
Right Reverend Prelate opposite to hint, and he believed both
statements true. The Right Reverend Prelate scented to consider
his friend as the beau ideal of an Irish Parson--as the most bene-
volent supporter of that system, whine harpies said, that if the
people did not compound, the Clergymen would deliver them over
to the !sawyer, and the Lawyer to the tormentor, the cruel Delaney.
lie should like very much for this new species of incantator to be
brought to the bar of the !louse; he wished that he could see this
new chimera--this Gorgon. employed by the mildest Clergyman of
the mild Church of Ireland. (A Laugh.)
Earl HA RROIV BY would only just observe, that if the tithe
were brought to the bar of their Lordships' House, he
that they would be accompanied by the steward* of the
land.owners. The Noble Marquis hail exculpated the landlords
of Ireland, and he thought the Hight Reverend Prelate had com-
pletely exculpated the Clergyman, whose name had been incident-
ally introduced. He acted not on :y as the law empowered,
but required him to dn. If there was anything unreasonable
in the terms demanded, it was not the Wilt of the Clergy.
man, but the Legislature. If there was blame, it attached
equally to the lentled interest and the Clergy. If both parties
would accede, it wonld be moat desirable, and the peace of the
neighbourhood, he thought, was worth something to all. lie

-
lamented that the mews of thaviduab had been brought forwordi
end upon a queollon that the Home could not regohrly oda
for they were used to the acamtions of both Ram Diie
a situation, by the Heuae entering upon this &adl%
thug gibe.
log aouseMereons ! The tithe poem% fee . ire•M
hmitthat day to Ireland, licedand, sad Log M dish of
wretthea, with Delaney at Ureic heed. Thum wad • If ft
stigmatising the conduct of an lodiridual the Mobil losoligeet■
too far, he mounted him ef haebg dam se • Mt
ester into his heart to sitlipegame litthdtly. lour Olth
the same candour that he mid the& the poem debate hod *
the most cruel consequences ; for the pmpletweidd not • they,
*madam harshly against all tithe gmensa; pashohly is
of it, without considering that the dada of rt mamba Moe
by some me, and that although there • tbe mid dhe wee
creel, there were many who wee Mod dad beineveledt.
The Ned of CLARK del, that i *amid* be to is
Ireland there were 4,0011 mho. dad that *kb pliseead • rest
excellent Minium, who wee so "weft der the Tithe della;
which was leas b 21L than be had received seder the eld system.
This was eon unfair towards his, Nod the ow *is tease=
nued to him.

The~
i:rite lf ING STON meld* ill inert td befog tits geMe of
toy inditidiud felnrsed by the sesS et which be eisaid be la.
Awed bat be mild mature die ideal appall* (liereembrf
that nothing that could be said la Home midi di diet perste
hens. With regard lo Dr. Wlisdetwarg, diet was a psidizei
mid tharefore peffectly fair to be —.heed thet Hai& lie
:rembar petitions tp mesa ea soma etOlset, bat isb
m Mir them to thew Lorelei* amide. Rd dead is* ob-
serve, that la Indeed date were a dare albite illbeadlima emit
be eat tamper be hum of a Mialeter whs
dal amide Mlbfdl
tab* 111611.- bosom it wield
wattf‘e".misionliZalet
not bd sappesed. atm that clammatnntes dog
acted aged/ bat if it was mile maspelsory, SONY
tut** ataellero that ever pease&
Tim Eat of HARROWBY itgalledd.
Marl GROSVSNOR thought dest the 614 Wad
with the people of Ireland, Two poem since they pegs' a mai
sure an this sithject, whith did nor imereets old Mai
the present measure, which tide* wollengt bat arm=
pie. It was kaposeble for obelus se ast fah I la.
pomade for individuals to act fin hi. die COM&
In these Courts, where the tithe mini decided, the sp.'
' pointed a clergyman to preside r nest te him, same the .
then the apportion; that they were all Jtidgat ht mat
causes, which put impartiality oat of the
Viscount CLIMEN observed, that tl:24tittriene peva* lOW feint
the farmer the valor of his tithes but bit chief effort wee to get
the tithe payer into the Bishop's Court. where the tithe ewer waif
Judge and Jury ; and their Lordships meet Imo* then h *as im
possible for an interested man td do justice. Out of a plepetatiort
of seven million three hundred thousand, there trete ottly fa
million belonged to the Established Chards. He timed &MIMI,
ally ring in their Lordships eery that Ireland was burdened with
two churches. That state of *bible could not Midi there meat be
an alteration.
The LORD CHANCELLOR begged lame meet fagot:Way
to inform their Lordships,. that the question before them simply wag
I whether this petition, which was respectfully worded, slitabl be
laid on the table..

---LoidtALTItORPE •indicated the eitaVaner ter Wad."
ward.—The petition was then }aid on table.

M/SAFPROFRIATION OF CHAR/?Y FtMtn.
The Earl of KINGSTON informed their Lordshipe that he held
M his bend a petition frOTIT an individual, named Omit Weihay.
I complaining of the misappropriation of the fond of a dimity M.:
stituted in Mitcheltown, by James Lord Kierpsttei, tot the Meek
of his Fri:gement tenantry.
The LORD CHANCELLOR observed, that the Pedititlit wend
plaited of a breach of trost, and therefore the transaction to which
it referred was cognisable in the King's Courts, and on that woonos
the petition mold not be received by their Lordship..
The Earl of HINGSTON said, that he mettem to *We dun tIW
will of his great grandfather: James Lord Kingston, be refereed ter
a select Committee of that House.
The LORD CHANCELLOR disarmed.
The Bishop of LIMERICK asked whether the Nobie ENS in 4
tended to bring the question forward in the Court of King's Book
in Ireland

The Marquis of LAN9DOWN said she Right ketaisaa
Prelate had no right to ask the question. The tiaia ms* be
read, because until then the House was not conspetheft M joign
whether it was informal or not.
The Earl of KINGSTON assured their Lordthips tilt the psis
tievirtm perfectly respectful.
LORD LIiANCELLOR rid, that es pacifies *is amad
as a matter of right. Th. gueseicis *bother it should be mil war
always put to the House.
The petition was then read.
The Earl of KINGSTON. in maser to the gueittoe pdt by the
Right Reverend Prelate, said, that he thought it hard that he
should be compelled to be at the expense of applying to the Come
of King's Bench, as the downy was altogether for tot benefit et.
the Established Church. The Noble Eart then reeved, that the
petition do he on the table.
Sense conversation followed, after which the motien was tare
gatived.
CLERK OF THE FELLS IN IRELAND.
Earl (GROSVENOR postponed his motion for a retort! of dist
reduced salary paid to the Clerk of the Pelts in Ireland, until
Monday next.
IRISH TITHES.
The Earl of DARNLEY said he had intended &preens some
petitions respecting the Irish Tithe Composition Act ; but n th*
Noble Earl (Liverpool) at the head of the Tremors was not is bid
place, he should defer the presentation of then petitions till Moasi
day next.
Several Bills were then forwarded a stage, one the House ad.
joumed at Seven o'Clock.